Methods and lipid compositions for promoting development of gut flora

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of inducing and promoting development of beneficial gut flora in a subject and/or of reducing the frequency and duration of crying periods in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject a lipid composition comprising a vegetable-derived fat source, wherein the fat source is a triglyceride fat source comprising triglycerides with 15-55% palmitic acid moieties out of the total fatty acids, and wherein the level of palmitic acid moieties at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone is at least 30% of total palmitic acid. The method is particularly intended for children. Specific fat sources, as well as food articles and a commercial package comprising the same are disclosed.

1 - 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . A method of reducing the frequency and duration of crying periods in a full term, healthy infant having an imbalance in the profile of the infant's gut flora population compared to the gut flora profile of breastfed infants, comprising administering to said full term, healthy infant a composition comprising an enzymatically prepared, vegetable-derived fat source, wherein said fat source comprises triglycerides in which palmitic acid moieties are present in 15-55% out of the total fatty acid moieties in the composition, wherein the level of palmitic acid moieties at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone of the triglycerides is at least 30% of total palmitic acid present, wherein at least 50% of the total fatty acid moieties at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of the glycerol backbone of the triglycerides are unsaturated, wherein at least 35% of said unsaturated fatty acid moieties at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of the glycerol backbone of the triglycerides are oleic acid moieties, and wherein at least 4% of said unsaturated fatty acid moieties at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of the glycerol backbone of the triglycerides are linoleic acid moieties, so as to thereby reduce the frequency and duration of crying periods in the full term, healthy infant. 
     
     
         47 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein in said vegetable-derived fat source at least 13% w/w of the total fatty acid residues at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone are palmitic acid residues. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein said vegetable-derived fat source comprises a fat base blended with a mixture of vegetable oils, wherein said mixture comprises oils selected from the group consisting of soy, palm tree, canola, coconut, palm kernel, sunflower, corn, safflower and rapeseed oil. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein said vegetable oils are randomized before blending with the fat base. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein said vegetable-derived fat source is present in any one of a food article or an infant formula, wherein said food article is selected from the group consisting of bakery products, including bread, particularly biscuits and pastries, human milk fat substitute, dairy products, including milk and dairy drinks, ice cream, cereal products, sauces, soup, spreads, including margarine, fillings, oils and fats, soy products, meat products, fried food products, confectionery products, bars, candy bars, candies and chocolates, snacks, drinks and shakes, instant products, instant drink products, frozen food, prepared foods for infants, toddlers and young children, including prepared cooked mashed vegetables and/or fruits, condiment products, and cooking oils and fats. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein said infant was delivered by a Caesarean Section. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein said fat source is comprised in any one of food article and infant formula, wherein said food article is selected from bakery products, including bread, particularly biscuits and pastries, human milk fat substitute, dairy products, including milk and dairy drinks, ice cream, cereal products, sauces, soup, spreads, including margarine, fillings, oils and fats, soy products, meat products, fried food products, confectionery products, bars, candy bars, candies and chocolates, snacks, drinks and shakes, instant products, instant drink products, frozen food, prepared foods for infants, toddlers and young children, including prepared cooked mashed vegetables and/or fruits, condiment products, and cooking oils and fats. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein said infant formula comprises said fat source, together with a protein source, lactose, minerals, vitamins and optionally at least one of carrier, diluent, additive or excipient.