1. Optimizing fat and calcium absorption, reducing "calcium soaps"
The palm oil used in regular formula is rich in palmitic acid, but palmitic acid easily combines with calcium to form insoluble "calcium soaps," which are excreted in feces.
Calcium soaps can lead to:
Calcium loss: Affecting the absorption of calcium needed for bone development.
Hard stools: One of the main causes of constipation in infants.
OPO is a structured fat modified by enzymes, with its palmitic acid mainly located in the middle chain (Sn-2 position) of the triglyceride, similar to the structure of breast milk fat. This structure does not easily combine with calcium, thus:
Significantly reducing calcium soap formation.
Improving the absorption rate of fat and calcium.
2. Softens Stools, Prevents or Relieves Constipation
By reducing the formation of calcium soaps, baby's stools are softer and easier to pass, effectively preventing and improving constipation problems that may be caused by consuming regular formula.
3. Promotes Gut Health
More efficient fat absorption reduces the burden on the intestines.
Some studies have shown that OPO structured lipids help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy gut microbiota.
4. Increases Energy Supply and Nutrient Absorption
Improved fat absorption efficiency means that babies can obtain more energy from formula to meet the needs of rapid growth.
At the same time, it also creates better conditions for the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K).
Summary: Core Advantages
In short, formula milk powder with added OPO has a fat structure closer to breast milk. Its core benefits for babies can be summarized as:
Better Absorption: Higher calcium and fat absorption rates, supporting bone development.
Softer Stools: Effectively reduces constipation and difficulty in defecation.
More comfortable tummy: Reduces crying caused by digestive discomfort.
Therefore, OPO is an important research achievement in modern high-end infant formula, designed to make the digestive, absorption, and bowel movement experience of non-breastfed babies closer to that of breastfed infants. It is indeed an important nutritional indicator that many parents pay attention to when choosing formula.
