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[Value of a phosphorus supplemented formula for premature infants]
Insights
Premature infants fed medium chain triglyceride formula showed bone issues due to low phosphorus. Supplementing with phosphorus corrected calcium and phosphorus balance, resolving bone mineralization abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric mineral metabolism
- Bone health in preterm infants
Context:
- Premature infants receiving medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplemented formula experienced unexpected bone mineralization abnormalities.
- These infants exhibited adequate weight gain but showed signs of metabolic imbalance.
- The study excluded infants with major neonatal disorders or vitamin D deficiency.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cause of bone mineralization abnormalities in preterm infants fed MCT-supplemented formula.
- To assess calcium and phosphorus balance in these infants.
- To determine the role of phosphorus intake in the observed metabolic disturbances.
Summary:
- Calcium and phosphorus balance studies were conducted on preterm infants with bone mineralization issues.
- Urine analysis revealed low phosphorus and increased calcium excretion, indicating insufficient phosphorus intake.
- Supplementation with phosphorus normalized urinary phosphate levels and reduced calcium losses, confirming the initial hypothesis.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical role of adequate phosphorus in preterm infant nutrition, especially with MCT formulas.
- Provides evidence for adjusting infant formula to prevent bone health complications.
- Informs clinical practice regarding monitoring mineral balance in vulnerable infant populations.
Abstract:
The fortuitous discovery of bone mineralization abnormalities in premature babies fed a medium chain triglyceride supplemented formula and exhibiting satisfactory weight gains prompted us to perform calcium and phosphorus balance studies. The infants studied had no major neonatal disorders and were not vitamin D-deficient. Urine assays detected no phosphorus and demonstrated an increase in calcium excretion, suggesting an inadequate phosphorus intake. This hypothesis was confirmed by the appearance of urinary phosphates with a decrease in calcium losses following supplementation of the formula with phosphorus.