Linoleic Acid —

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Abstract
Randomly selected samples of 7 commercial formulas, 2 evaporated milk formulas, and 9 processed infant cereals packed in different areas in the country were assayed for linoleic acid content of linoleic acid was found in oatmeal cereals, followed by mixed cereal, high protein, barley, and rice; the percent of linoleic calories to the total caloric content ranged from 7.96 to 1.40. The prepared formulas showed a range of linoleic acid content from 15 to 4 g/quart of formula, as fed; human milk, an average of 4.3 g/quart. The linoleic acid content of formulas prepared from evaporated milk and whole cow''s milk depend upon the quantity of milk used in their preparation. Whole cow''s milk contains 0.75 g of linoleic acid and 666 calories/quart. Linoleic acid contributes only 1% of the total calories. Since evaporated milk contains the same linoleic acid-fat ratio as whole milk, formulas prepared from this ingredient should contain approximately 1% of the total calories as linoleic acid. Examples of 2 evaporated milk formulas and an experimental butterfat formula, all containing approximately 660 calories/quart, are reported. The percentage of linoleic acid calories in relation to total calories is 4 to 6 times lower than the percent of linoleic acid calories supplied by human milk. The geographic area of origin of these products did not seem to affect the linoleic acid level. It was concluded that, while evaporated milk formulas fulfilled the criterion of Holman for the dietary level below which linoleic-acid deficiency will result, the optimal and undoubtedly more desirable intake is provided by human milk and the prepared formulas. The % of total calories provided by linoleic acid in the precooked infant cereals ranges from 1.40 in rice to 7.96 in oatmeal, indicating that they are a valuable and important source of this nutrient. An average daily serving of cereal (for example 2 10-g feedings of precooked oatmeal) will provide 0.64 g of linoleic acid. Although an optimum dietary level for linoleic acid has not been determined as yet, a figure between 1.3 and 4% of total caloric intake would seem to be indicated. Taking a suggested level of 3% of calories as a basis, the 2 cereal servings would provide about 25% of the total daily requirement on a 700-calorie diet.