Lipid and fatty acid composition of powder-based infant formulas in Hungary

Introduction: The use of infant formulas is becoming increasingly common in the modern era, both in the clinic and in everyday life, due to the development of new formulations. The aim of our study is to investigate the fat content and fatty acid composition of powdered infant and follow-on formulas available on the Hungarian consumer market with different indications.

Methods: Powdered formulas (n = 12) for newborns and infants were investigated. Lipid content was determined by means of gravimetry and the fatty acid composition of formulas was determined by means of gas chromatography.

Results: We compared the manufacturer's declaration on the packaging with the results of our laboratory tests and current European standards. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) between the manufacturer's declaration and the measured fat content. There was a large variability between the formulas for the values of medium chain fatty acids and oleic acid, but not for the regulated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid). We were able to detect nervonic acid in all formulas. All fatty acids met the criteria of the current regulation and none of them exceeded the maximum limit.

Conclusion: Half of the formulas had a higher fat content than stated on the label. The values of the regulated fatty acids varied within narrow limits, but the other fatty acids showed a large variability depending on the indication and the manufacturer.