4. Conclusions
In this study the application of chemometric methods has
allowed to get exhaustive information, through the analysis of a
limited number of samples, about the fatty acid composition of
infant formulas for healthy babies and for babies affected by
GOR. Though the fatty acid appeared very different among the
studied formula, no significant differences were observed in each
formula between the total lipids and the ‘‘free’’ or ‘‘non encapsulated’’
lipids. Lipid oxidation after opening cans or packages did
not modify the content of unsaturated fatty acid even when formulas
had an high content of unsaturated fatty acids and valuable
LCPs. Thus, as far as fatty acids are concerned, the nutritive value
of powdered infant formulas was not impaired by lipid oxidation
even when LCPs had been added to the formulas and/or lipids in
formulas had a high degree of unsaturation. The unpleasant smell
of formulas containing LCPs suggests the development of further
studies in order to assess whether in these formula small odorous
molecules can be developed by lipid oxidation in such amounts to
make ‘‘milk’’ still more unpleasant to the babies.