Progress in Development of Infant Formula with Lipid Composition Simulating That of Human Milk Fat

Human milk fat is one of the most complex natural lipid mixtures, with unique fatty acid composition and distribution as well as many complex lipids. Milk fat accounts for almost half of the newborn’s energy needs, and it also affects future metabolism and overall development. Therefore, as intensive research efforts have been made on human milk fat and the lipid needs of infants, infant formula with lipid composition simulating that of human milk fat can be developed to reduce the disparity between breastfed and infant formula fed infants. Current research mainly focuses on simulating the fatty acid composition of breast milk lipids, applying structured triacylglycerols rich in palmitic acid at sn-2 position, and adding milk fat globule membrane components. In addition, there have been an increasing number of studies simulating the structure of fat globules by wrapping lipid droplets with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). This article focuses on recent progress in these aspects. It is hoped that this review can provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of infant formula milk powder based on the nutritional needs of infants.