The clinical trial will investigate the effect of different formulations of ARA + 0.4% DHA in infant formula on plasma fatty acid status in healthy 6 months old infants supplemented for 6 months. A 6-month follow on phase will provide additional efficacy (e.g. infection rates, immune markers) and safety information in these 12-18 month old infants.
This study is a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of 0% ARA +0.4% DHA or 0.76% ARA +0.4% DHA supplemented infant formula provided to 6 months old healthy infants for 6 months. Infants will have been breast-fed or formula-fed prior to enrollment. The difference in total plasma fatty acid ARA levels between the two groups at 6 months of supplementation will be measured. Parents will be asked about the infant's current daily diet (fatty acid intakes calculated via 24 hour recalls). All completed infants will be enrolled into a 6 month extension period (non-supplemented) to collect additional measures of efficacy (i.e. infections and illnesses, immune markers) and safety out to 18 months of age.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
110
combination ARA + DHA supplemented infant formula
DHA supplemented infant formula
Centro de Salud Aravaca
Madrid, Spain
Centro Salud Arganda del Rey
Madrid, Spain
total plasma fatty acid ARA levels
difference in total plasma fatty acid ARA levels between the two groups at 6 months of supplementation
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
incidence of infections
record number, type and duration of infections
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
weight gain
differences between groups in weight gain (kg/d)
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
length gain
differences between groups in length gain (cm/d)
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
head circumference
differences between groups in head circumference (cm/d)
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
dietary intake of ARA
24 hour recall questionnaire
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
plasma levels of immune markers
cytokines and T cells levels in plasma will be measured
Time frame: 6 months of supplementation
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