Myristic acid in amniotic fluid produces appetitive responses in human newborns.

Background: A mixture of eight fatty acids (lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid) that are contained in human amniotic fluid, colostrum, and milk produces appetitive responses in newborns, suggesting the existence of a transition of sensorial cues that guide newborns to the maternal breast.

Objective: To explore the ability of each of these eight fatty acids individually to produce appetitive responses in newborns.

Methods: The study included 12 healthy human newborns<24h after birth.