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Feeding the premature infant after hospital discharge: growth and biochemical responses
1Division of Perinatal Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Insights
Preterm infants fed reduced-protein formula showed similar growth and biochemical responses compared to standard formula. This study suggests a lower protein content formula is safe and effective for premature infant nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infant Formula Development
Background:
- Premature infants require specialized nutrition for optimal growth and development.
- Standard infant formulas may have higher protein content than human milk.
- Assessing the impact of reduced protein formulas on preterm infant outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare growth and biochemical responses in preterm infants fed reduced-protein formula versus standard formula.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a formula with protein content closer to human milk.
- To analyze plasma amino acid profiles in relation to protein intake.
Main Methods:
- Double-blinded, randomized trial involving 20 low birth weight infants post-hospital discharge.
- Infants were fed either a standard formula (1.5 gm/dl protein) or a reduced-protein formula (1.3 gm/dl).
- Growth parameters (weight, length, head circumference) and biochemical markers were monitored for 16 weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in growth parameters between the two formula groups.
- Similar biochemical responses (total protein, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, blood urea nitrogen) were observed.
- Plasma amino acid levels reflected protein intake differences and aligned with established values for preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Reduced-protein formula supports comparable growth and biochemical status in preterm infants.
- Formulas with protein content closer to human milk are a viable option for preterm infant nutrition.
- The study supports the use of adjusted protein levels in preterm infant formulas.
Abstract:
We conducted a double-blinded, randomized trial in premature infants after hospital discharge to test the hypotheses that growth and biochemical responses in those fed a formula with a reduced protein content (1.3 gm/dl) would be similar to those in infants fed a standard infant formula (protein 1.5 gm/dl). Twenty low birth weight infants were followed for 16 weeks from the time of hospital discharge. Growth (weight, length, and head circumference) and biochemical responses (total protein, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, and blood urea nitrogen values) were similar in the two groups of infants. Plasma amino acids reflected the differences in protein intakes and were similar to previously reported values for premature infants fed human milk or formula. These results demonstrate similar growth and biochemical responses in preterm infants fed a standard infant formula and a formula with a protein content closer to that of human milk.