Effect of High β‐Palmitate Content in Infant Formula on the Intestinal Microbiota of Term Infants

ABSTRACT Objectives: Palmitic acid (PA) constitutes 17% to 25% of the human milk fatty acids, and ∼70% is esterified in the sn‐2 position of triglycerides (β‐palmitate). In the sn‐2 position, PA is not hydrolyzed and thus is efficiently absorbed. The PA in palm oils, commonly used in infant formulas, is esterified in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions. In these positions, PA is hydrolyzed and forms poorly absorbed calcium complexes. The present study assessed whether high β‐palmitate in infant formulas affects the intestinal flora. Methods: Thirty‐six term infants were enrolled: 14 breast‐fed (BF group) and 22 formula‐fed infants who were randomly assigned to receive formula containing high β‐palmitate (HBP group, n = 14), or low β‐palmitate (LBP group, n = 8), where 44% and 14% of the PA was β‐palmitate, respectively. The total amount of PA in the formulas was 19% and 22% in the LBP and HBP groups, respectively. Neither formula contained pre‐ or probiotics. Stool samples were collected at enrollment and at 6 weeks for the quantification of bacteria. Results: At 6 weeks, the HBP and BF groups had higher Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria counts than the LBP group (P < 0.01). The Lactobacillus counts at 6 weeks were not significantly different between the HBP and BF groups. Lactobacillus counts were 1.2 × 1010, 1.2 × 1011, and 5.6 × 1010 CFU/g for LBP, HBP, and BF groups, respectively. Bifidobacteria counts were 5.1 × 109, 1.2 × 1011, and 3.9 × 1010 CFU/g for LBP, HBP, and BF groups, respectively. Conclusions: HBP formula beneficially affected infant gut microbiota by increasing the Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria counts in fecal stools.