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Molybdenum balance studies in premature male infants
E Sievers1, H D Oldigs, K Dörner
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Kiel, Germany.
Insights
Molybdenum (Mo) requirements in infants are unclear. This study found minimal retention of Mo at low intakes but significant retention at higher intakes in premature infants, suggesting a need for upper limits in formulas.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element, yet its nutritional requirements in infancy are not well-established.
- Understanding Mo balance is crucial for optimizing infant nutrition, particularly for premature infants who may have different metabolic needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess molybdenum (Mo) balances in premature male infants.
- To determine the impact of varying formula Mo concentrations on Mo absorption and retention.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 24 balance studies in 16 premature male infants.
- Analyzed formula Mo concentrations and infant excretion/retention using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Investigated Mo intake ranging from 0.125 to 2.704 micromol/l.
Main Results:
- Infants with low Mo intake (0.024 micromol/kg/day) showed minimal retention (0.0006 micromol/kg/day).
- Infants with high Mo intake (0.284 micromol/kg/day) exhibited substantial retention (0.022 micromol/kg/day).
- Median urinary excretion exceeded 60% of intake at both low and high levels, indicating sufficient absorption but variable retention.
Conclusions:
- While absorption appears sufficient, significant Mo retention at higher intakes raises concerns.
- Limited data on long-term effects of elevated Mo intake necessitates caution.
- Upper limits for Mo concentrations in preterm infant formulas should be established.
Unlabelled:
Despite the fact that the trace element molybdenum (Mo) is essential, there is insufficient knowledge about the demands in infancy. Mo balances were therefore assessed under consideration of formula Mo concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 2.704 micromol/l. Sixteen premature male infants participated in the investigation. Their birth weights were between 1,500 and 1,990 g, the median (range) gestational age was 34 (32-36) weeks and the post-conceptual age at the time of study 37.4 (34.1-40.6) weeks. Twenty-four balance studies were performed and the materials analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Infants with a "low" Mo intake received 0.024 (0.020-0.035) micromol/ kg per day, had a urinary excretion of 0.02 (0.008-0.045) and a retention of 0.0006 (-0.03 to 0.008) micromol/kg per day. Infants with a "high" intake received 0.284 (0.227-0.487) micromol/kg per day, had a urinary excretion of 0.243 (0.118-0.378) and a retention of 0.022 (-71.1 to 141.44) micromol/kg per day. Since the median urinary excretion exceeded 60% of the Mo intake at low and high intakes, sufficient resorption but minimal retention was assessed at low intakes of Mo.
Conclusion:
In view of the limited knowledge of long-term exposure to an elevated molybdenum intake and the substantial retention observed at higher intakes, upper limits should be set for molybdenum concentrations in preterm infant formulas.