DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MICROCÁPSULAS CONTENDO ÁCIDOS GRAXOS POLI-INSATURADOS ÔMEGA 3 PARA ADIÇÃO EM LEITE HUMANO DESTINADO A RECÉM-NASCIDOS PRÉ-TERMO

Abstract

Preterm newborns lose placental transfer of nutrients that would create reserves in the last trimester of gestation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and these need to be supplied via the diet. However, the processing of human milk and the technique of enteral nutrition are related to losses of total lipid content. The objective of this study was to develop and test microcapsules containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for addition to human milk intended for feeding preterm newborns. An experimental study was conducted to develop and test microcapsules containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil, soy lecithin, corn starch and maltodextrin. Monolayer and multilayer emulsions were developed and then subjected to freeze-drying to produce powders containing the microcapsules of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The pH, the formation of the microcapsules under an optical microscope, and the occurrence of phase separation by the cream index were evaluated. The 1% starch concentration seems to cause less variation in microcapsule size. The pH remained between 3.02 and 3.3, regardless of the starch concentration. Homogenization at 18,000 rpm/10 min ensured consistent uniform mixing. Under simulated enteral nutrition conditions, the powder containing microcapsules appears to improve the solubility of fish oil. The preliminary results are promising. Further testing could be done to quantify the fish oil and analyze its fatty acid profile. The experiment has been shown to be viable and feasible as an alternative addition of lipids to human milk, especially of essential omega-3 fatty acids. The microcapsule technology may favor the supply and bioavailability of these lipids to premature low birth weight infants, ensuring their access to fortified human milk in order to promote better growth and development rates.