Why is INFAT Beta-palmitin (OPO) fat used in our Infant Formula Range?

Are milk fats different? Why we use INFAT

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All babies require a fat component in their diet. Fats are especially important for energy production and the rapid brain development that humans experience early in life. But are all fats created equal?

Fat in breastmilk

Human breastmilk is tailor made for human babies and contains a different amount of fat than the milk from other animals. The fat in human milk is rich in a very special type of fat commonly known as the sn-2 palmitate OPO triglyceride. This is a unique fat structure and is only found in small amounts in other types of animal milk and vegetable oils.

What about fat in infant formula?

Cow’s milk is perfect for baby cows but it needs to be changed to be made suitable for human babies. Vegetable oils are added to infant formulas to bring the fat component closer to that found in human breastmilk.

Blackmores Infant Nutrition range contains INFAT®, which is made from a specific vegetable oil blend and then structurally altered to resemble the OPO triglyceride structure found in human breastmilk. 

The benefits of INFAT

An infant formula containing the sn2-palmitate (OPO) fat ingredient INFAT® has been shown in clinical trials to bring the following benefits for formula feeding babies, when compared to infant formula with a standard vegetable oil blend:
  • Reduces infant crying
  • Softer stools
  • Increases bone strength
  • Increases fat and calcium absorption
  • Enhances beneficial gut flora
  • Controls intestinal health
Breastfeeding provides benefits to babies that no infant formula can match. If you are struggling with breastfeeding, please see your healthcare professional or phone the Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline on 1800 808 669.

You can also speak with Blackmores IBCLC lactation consultant and infant nutrition advisor on 1800 808 669 (freecall within Australia) or email advice@blackmores.com.au

For more information on the inclusion of breakthrough ingredient INFAT Beta-palmitin rel="noopener noreferrer" (OPO), visit www.advancedlipids.com