Use of energy-dense formula for treating infants with non-organic failure to thrive

V Khoshoo1, R Reifen

  • 1West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Insights

Increasing formula energy density improved energy intake and weight gain in most infants with non-organic failure to thrive. This intervention shows promise for addressing infant growth faltering.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Infant Growth and Development

Background:

  • Non-organic failure to thrive (NOFTT) is a common concern in infants.
  • Effective interventions to improve energy intake and weight gain in NOFTT are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if increasing infant formula energy density enhances energy intake and weight gain.
  • To evaluate the impact of higher energy density formula on infants diagnosed with NOFTT.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based trial involving 15 infants with NOFTT.
  • Infants received standard formula (2.8 kJ/ml) then a higher density formula (4.18 kJ/ml) for 3 days each, with a wash-out period.
  • Daily measurements of infant weight and energy intake were recorded.

Main Results:

  • 60% of infants showed significant increases in energy intake and weight gain with higher density formula (P<0.02).
  • 27% of infants self-regulated intake, maintaining energy levels by consuming less volume.
  • 13% of infants experienced a significant decrease in energy consumption (P<0.02).

Conclusions:

  • Elevating formula energy density is a potentially effective strategy for improving weight gain and energy intake in most infants with NOFTT.
  • Individual infant responses vary, with some self-regulating intake when formula density increases.
Abstract

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