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Fat absorption in premature infants: the effect of lard and antibiotics
H J Verkade1, W A van Asselt, R J Vonk
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Modifying infant formula with lard did not improve fat absorption in premature infants. However, parenteral antibiotics significantly increased fat and energy absorption, a factor to consider in future studies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Premature infants often experience challenges with fat absorption.
- Adapted cow's milk formulas are used to support nutrition in these infants.
- Triglyceride configuration may influence nutrient absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of modified triglyceride configuration (using lard) in an adapted cow's milk formula on fat absorption in premature infants.
- To assess the impact on energy absorption, serum lipid concentrations, and growth velocity.
- To identify factors influencing nutrient absorption in this population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with two groups of premature infants.
- Infant formula was adapted using lard to alter triglyceride configuration.
- Fat and energy absorption coefficients, serum lipid levels, and growth velocity were measured.
Main Results:
- The modification of formula with lard did not significantly improve fat or energy absorption compared to the control group.
- No differences were observed in serum cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations between groups.
- Infants receiving parenteral antibiotics showed significantly higher coefficients of fat and energy absorption.
Conclusions:
- Using lard in adapted cow's milk infant formulas does not enhance fat absorption.
- Parenteral antibiotic administration is a significant confounding factor in studies of infant fat and energy absorption.
- Future research should account for the influence of antibiotics on nutrient absorption in premature infants.
Abstract:
Fat absorption of an adapted cow's milk formula was studied in a randomized controlled trial involving two groups of 18 premature infants (mean gestational age +/- SD: 33.0 +/- 2.9 weeks, range 26.5-37.5 weeks). The triglyceride configuration was modified by the use of lard. This modification did not improve the absorption of fat or energy. Also no difference in serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides was found. Growth velocity during the study was similar in both groups. Detailed analysis of the data revealed that in infants who received (parenterally) antibiotics (mainly ampicillin and netilmicin) a higher coefficient of fat absorption (+20%, P less than 0.01) and of energy absorption (+8%, P = 0.03) was found. Based on these results, we find no support for the use of lard in adapted cow's milk infant formulas to improve fat absorption. In studies of fat and energy absorption the effects of antibiotics have to be taken into account.