Fats

Dietary fat is an important component of infant’s diet for a number of reasons. It provides a concentrated source of energy, supporting the infant’s high energy needs and small stomach capacity. Fat is also vital to the development of the nervous system, aids in the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and supplies the essential fatty acids linoleic (omega 6) and α-linolenic acid (omega 3). The essential fatty acids should make up around 15% of an infant’s total fat intake. Breast milk is naturally rich in essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids are also precursors for the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).