The new animal study, reported in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, used newborn pigs as a model to study liver development. Associate Professor Samer El-Kadi of Virginia Tech led the team that fed two simplified formulas identical in calories and protein but differing in fat type: one rich in medium-chain fatty acids derived mainly from coconut oil, the other rich in long-chain fatty acids from animal fat, a profile closer to whole sow milk.
Pigs fed the medium-chain fat formula accumulated liver fat more rapidly. El-Kadi said fat was visible within seven days and that by about two weeks the condition had progressed from simple steatosis to a more inflammatory form. Importantly, the developing livers showed increased activity in both fat-making and fat-burning pathways; in contrast, adult fat accumulation often reflects a slowdown in fat burning. These adaptive metabolic responses nonetheless failed to prevent fat buildup in the young livers.
The findings are relevant because steatotic liver disease, formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is being diagnosed more often in children and has been identified in some infants. Infant formulas generally use plant-based oil blends to approximate breast milk, and newborn pigs are commonly used in nutrition research because their digestion and fat metabolism resemble human infants.
El-Kadi emphasized that the results do not mean parents should avoid formula; he called breast milk the "gold standard" and said formula is a vital alternative when breastfeeding is not possible. The research team is continuing to investigate how specific medium-chain fatty acids affect liver metabolism and whether different fatty acids or quantities have distinct effects.
Difficult words
- medium-chain fatty acid — fat molecules with medium-length carbon chainsmedium-chain fatty acids
- long-chain fatty acid — fat molecules with long carbon chainslong-chain fatty acids
- steatotic — describing a liver with excess fat
- accumulate — to build up or gather over timeaccumulated
- inflammatory — relating to swelling or immune response
- metabolism — all chemical processes in a living body
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How much weight would you give to animal-model studies (like pigs) when evaluating infant nutrition? Explain your reasons.
- What additional information about specific fatty acids or amounts would you want before changing infant feeding recommendations?
- If formula manufacturers changed fat composition, what effects on health or practice would you expect or worry about? Explain.
Related articles
Study warns of heavier rain and hotter nights in Tanzania
New research warns parts of Tanzania will see more extreme rainfall and rising temperatures. Experts say farmers, health and cities will be affected and call for stronger national policies, preparedness and community climate finance.
Using Food to Teach Science to Preschoolers
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that food-based lessons for Head Start preschoolers helped children learn science and grow their vocabulary. The program used seed activities, simple recipes and teacher training in three counties.
Lower chemotherapy dose helps people 80+ with lymphoma
A study found that people aged 80 and older with a common lymphoma often do better with a lower chemotherapy dose. Researchers used data from community cancer clinics and say the smaller dose kept effectiveness while reducing side effects.
Savar declared a degraded airshed over severe air pollution
The Department of Environment declared Savar a degraded airshed after monitoring found annual air pollution nearly three times the national standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The decision responds to pollution from brick kilns, factories, transport and construction and new rules start September 2025.