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Related Experiment Videos

Macromolecular absorption in preterm and term infants.

I Axelsson1, I Jakobsson, T Lindberg

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Experimental Research, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|July 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) absorption is higher in premature infants. Alpha-LA serum concentration decreases with infant maturity and postnatal age.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) is a key whey protein in human milk.
  • Alpha-LA serves as a valuable marker for assessing macromolecular absorption in infants.
  • Understanding absorption dynamics is crucial for optimizing infant nutrition and growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the serum concentration of human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants and term infants after human milk feeds.
  • To determine how infant maturity and postnatal age influence alpha-LA absorption.
  • To establish reference ranges for alpha-LA serum concentrations in different infant populations.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 32 VLBW infants (gestational age 26-32 weeks) and 56 term infants (3-140 days old) after human milk feeding.

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  • Alpha-LA concentrations were measured using established laboratory techniques.
  • Data were analyzed to compare serum alpha-LA levels based on gestational age, postconceptional age, and postnatal age.

    • Main Results:

    • VLBW infants at 31 weeks gestation exhibited significantly higher serum alpha-LA concentrations (mean 3,000 µg/l) compared to term infants in the first 30 days of life (mean 257 µg/l).
    • Serum alpha-LA levels demonstrated a decline with increasing maturity in VLBW infants, reaching levels comparable to term infants by 37 weeks postconceptional age.
    • In term infants, alpha-LA absorption decreased progressively with advancing postnatal age.

    Conclusions:

    • Infant maturity is a significant factor influencing human alpha-lactalbumin absorption, with premature infants showing greater absorption.
    • The decreasing serum alpha-LA concentrations with age highlight the maturation of the infant's gastrointestinal barrier function.
    • These findings have implications for understanding nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal development in neonates.