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Growth in preterm infants fed either a partially hydrolyzed whey or an intact casein/whey preterm infant formula

K N Florendo1, B Bellflower, A van Zwol

  • 1Division of Neonatology, University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|August 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A partially hydrolyzed whey (pHW) formula did not improve feeding tolerance or growth in preterm infants compared to standard nonhydrolyzed whey-casein (nHWC) formula. Serum chemistry differences were observed but deemed clinically insignificant.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Formula Development

Background:

  • Preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation, <1750g) have unique nutritional needs.
  • Optimizing feeding tolerance and growth in preterm infants is crucial for development.
  • Hydrolyzed formulas are sometimes used to improve tolerance, but evidence in preterm populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare feeding tolerance, nutrient intake, and growth in preterm infants fed either a standard nonhydrolyzed whey-casein (nHWC) or a partially hydrolyzed whey (pHW) preterm infant formula.
  • To assess the clinical relevance of any observed differences in serum chemistries.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted.
  • Infants were fed one of the two formulas for at least 3 weeks.
  • Feeding tolerance, daily nutrient intake, weekly serum chemistries, and growth parameters were monitored and analyzed using ANCOVA.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were found in feeding tolerance, nutrient intake, or growth parameters (weight gain, length, head circumference) between the nHWC and pHW formula groups.
  • Minor differences were observed in blood urea nitrogen, total serum proteins, and albumin levels.
  • These serum chemistry differences were within normal limits for preterm infants.

Conclusions:

  • Partially hydrolyzed whey (pHW) preterm infant formula did not demonstrate improved feeding tolerance, enteral intake, or growth compared to standard nonhydrolyzed whey-casein (nHWC) formula.
  • Observed differences in serum chemistries were not considered clinically relevant.
  • Growth in both groups was comparable and mirrored 'in utero' growth, suggesting adequate nutritional support from both formulas.
Abstract

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