Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Susan E Carlson

John D Benson

Debra L Ponder

Michael B Montalto

David V Diodato

Margaret H Dohnalek

David A Borror

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.

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Kansas City, MO, United States of America

Susan E Carlson