InfantBrain – New infant formulas to promote optimal brain development

Absorption of fat is inferior in newborns who are given infant formula than is the case for breastfed infants. Since absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids is crucial for the development of the brain in the first year of life, reduced fat absorption can lead to a poorer maturation of the brain, and thereby reduced cognitive development.

By: Grith Mortensen

The aim of the project is therefore to develop breast milk substitutes, which ensure maximum absorption of fats, which are necessary for the brain development of the newborn baby. This will be done by optimizing the composition of the interface on the fat particles (using milk phospholipids and possibly other fats) to the lipases that are active in the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn baby.