Variation in [U-13C] alpha linolenic acid absorption, beta-oxidation and conversion to docosahexaenoic acid in the pre-term infant fed a DHA-enriched formula.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an integral component of neural cell membranes and is critical to the development and function of the CNS. A premature delivery interrupts normal placental supply of DHA such that the infant is dependent on the nature of the nutritional support offered. The most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in pre-term formulas is alpha linolenic acid (ALNA), the precursor of DHA.