Method for preventing or reducing elevated triglyceride levels

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a novel method for reducing triglyceride levels in an infant. The method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA, alone or in combination with one another, to the subject.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the effects of DHA and ARA supplementation on serum triglyceride levels in neonate baboons.

Claims

1. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the infant is in need of such reduction.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of DHA is between about 15 mg per kg of body weight per day and 60 mg per kg of body weight per day.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of ARA is between about 20 mg per kg of body weight per day and 60 mg per kg of body weight per day.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is from about 1:3 to about 9:1.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is about 2:1.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is about 1:1.5.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein DHA comprises between about 0.33% and 1.00% of fatty acids by weight.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the DHA and ARA are administered to the infant during the time period from birth until the infant is about one year of age.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the DHA and ARA are administered to the infant in an infant formula.

11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the infant formula comprises DHA in an amount of from about 15 mg to about 60 mg per 100 kcal infant formula.

12. The method according to claim 10 wherein the infant formula comprises ARA in an amount of from about 25 mg to about 40 mg per 100 kcal infant formula.

13. A method for preventing elevated triglyceride levels in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA.

14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the infant is in need of such prevention.

15. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is about 1:1.5.

16. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA, wherein DHA comprises between about 0.33% and 1.00% of fatty acids by weight.

17. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein DHA comprises between about 0.33% and 1.00% of fatty acids by weight.

19. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of ARA.

20. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in a child, the method comprising administering to the child DHA.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the child is between the ages of one and six years of age.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the child is between the ages of about seven and twelve years of age.

23. The method according to claim 20 additionally comprising administering ARA to the child.

24. A method for reducing triglyceride levels in a child, the method comprising administering to the child ARA.