Abbott Laboratories Corporation

David V Diodato

Debra L Ponder

David A Borror

Margaret H Dohnalek

John D Benson

Michael B Montalto

Susan E Carlson

Terrence B Mazer

Daniel L McKamy

James M Simpson

Steven R Dimler

Enteral formulas that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), e.g., arachidonic acid (AA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), essentially free of cholesterol, are described for use in methods for reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis. Compositions from egg yolk lipids are preferred as they contain &ohgr;-,and &ohgr;-3 long chain PUFAs and are predominantly in a phosphtidylcholine form. This is believed to provide a synergetic effect.

Methods for reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis

Enteral formulas that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are essentially free of cholesterol, are described. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis by administering compositions which provide .omega.-6 and .omega.-3 long chain PUFAs, phospholipids and/or choline. Compositions from egg yolk lipids are presently preferred as they contain .omega.-6 and .omega.-3 long chain PUFAs and are predominantly in a phosphtidylcholine form. This is believed to provide a synergistic effect.

Enteral formulas that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a process for making such enteral compositions are described. More particularly, the invention relates to enteral compositions which provide long chain PUFAs arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) essentially free of cholesterol and may be derived from egg yolk lipids, and thus are predominantly in a phospholipid form. The process of making such a composition provides improved organoleptic and stability properties. Enteral compositions according to this invention may be used to feed infants, particularly pre-term infants, to promote neural development and development of visual acuity, and to reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Process of making an enteral formula containing long-chain

A process for aseptically processing a milk based infant formula includes the steps of adding citrate ions to the formula at a concentration of at least 128 ppm and adjusting the pH to be at least 6.8 before subjecting the formula to a temperature of at least 132.degree. C.

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Hilliard, OH, United States of America

David V Diodato