DIET AND FATTY ACID DISTRIBUTION IN SUBCUTANEOUS FAT AND IN THE CHOLESTEROL-TRIGLYCERIDE FRACTION OF SERUM OF YOUNG INFANTS*

Abstract

Beginning shortly after birth 4 groups of test infants received a corresponding test diet The linoleic acid content of dietary fat in diet I was approximately 1.2%, and 21.7% to 39.2% in the other 3 diets. Fatty acid distributions in serum cholesterol-triglyceride fraction (C-TG) and depot fat differed markedly from those of maternal serum and fat. By 6 to 8 weeks of age, fatty acid distributions in serum C- TG and depot fat in each test group bore considerable resemblance to that of their dietary fat. Changes in the serum lipid fraction occurred more rapidly than those in depot fat Adult studies by others indicate 6 or more months are required before dietary fat produces a demonstrable change in the fatty acid composition of depot fat. The clinical usefulness and significance of the results of the present study are unknown.