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Macronutrients in milk from mothers delivering preterm
J Faerk1, L Skafte, S Petersen
1University Clinic of Pediatrics, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 15, 2002
Summary
Human milk provides essential nutrients for premature infants. Analysis shows milk macronutrient levels vary post-delivery but offer sufficient energy and protein for growth until 36 weeks gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Human Milk Analysis
- Infant Growth & Development
Background:
- Premature infants have elevated protein and energy needs for optimal growth.
- Exclusive human milk feeding is recommended but requires adequate nutrient content.
- Assessing macronutrient composition is crucial for preterm infant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and energy content of human milk from mothers of preterm infants.
- To determine if human milk provides adequate nutrition for preterm infants until 36 weeks gestational age.
- To investigate the relationship between milk composition and gestational age at birth.
Main Methods:
- Collected 476 human milk samples from 101 mothers delivering before 32 weeks gestational age.
- Analyzed milk samples weekly until 36 weeks gestational age for protein, carbohydrate, and fat using infrared analysis.
- Validated fat measurements using the Folch method and collected milk via complete expression into 24-hour pools.
Main Results:
- Protein concentration significantly decreased over time (P = 0.00001).
- Carbohydrate, fat, and energy levels were lower in the first two weeks postpartum, then stabilized.
- Milk macronutrient levels were not significantly associated with the mother's gestational age at delivery (P = 0.3).
Conclusions:
- Human milk from mothers of preterm infants is energy-dense.
- Feeding 200 mL/kg/day provides sufficient energy for preterm infants until 36 weeks gestational age.
- Approximately 65% of infants would receive adequate protein intake (> or =3g/kg/day) with this feeding volume.
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