Production and nutritional aspects of human milk fat substitutes

Human milk fat substitute (HMFS), one of the vital ingredients of infant formula, constitutes about 50% of energy intake for many infants. The composition of HMFS depends on the raw material and the production technology. Both human and animal studies have shown that absorption of fats and minerals are affected by triacylglycerol structures and fatty acid compositions of HMFS. Additionally, the level of other micronutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins, can also be affected by production processes. The ultimate goal in the design of infant formula is to mimic human milk, regarding both lipids and other micronutrients. This paper covers human milk fat and selected HMFS as well as their impact on absorption of fat and calcium and illustrates recent progresses and findings.