Infant Formula Digestion (IMAGE) University of California - San Diego Caption This chart shows the high concentration of unbound (cytotoxic) free fatty acids (FFAs) (shown in white) created by the digestion of infant formula compared to the relatively small presence of free fatty acids formed through the digestion of breast milk. Bioengineers at UC San Diego reported in the journal Pediatric Research that these free fatty acids are toxic to cells and may contribute to necrotizing enterocolitis, an often fatal condition that most commonly occurs in premature infants. Credit Alexander Penn, Department of Bioengineering, UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. Usage Restrictions With credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.