Changes in Biochemical Parameters of the Calcium-Phosphorus Homeostasis in Relation to Nutritional Intake in...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Pediatric Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Preterm infants face high risk of reduced bone mineralization due to insufficient calcium and phosphorus (Ca-P) supply.
• Biochemical parameters are key indicators of nutritional status, but their direct response to nutrient intake in neonates is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the direct impact of calcium and phosphorus (Ca-P) supplementation on biochemical markers in Very-Low-Birth-Weight infants.
• To analyze changes in serum/urinary calcium and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, tubular reabsorption of phosphorus, and urinary Ca/creatinine and P/creatinine ratios.

Main Methods:

• Observational study comparing High vs. Low Ca-P intake groups in preterm infants.
• Biochemical markers were measured on Postnatal Days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14.
• Linear regression mixed-model analyses were used to assess the effects of nutrient intake, gestational age, and gender.

Main Results:

• Calcium intake positively affected urinary calcium (uCa) and tubular reabsorption of phosphorus (TrP), while decreasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
• Phosphorus intake increased serum phosphorus (sP), urinary phosphorus (uP), uP/creatinine ratio, and ALP, but decreased TrP.
• Protein intake reduced sP; low gestational age and male gender were associated with increased urinary phosphorus excretion.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional intake of calcium and phosphorus significantly influences key biochemical parameters related to bone metabolism in preterm infants.
• Gestational age and gender also play a role in altering renal excretion of phosphorus.
• These findings highlight the importance of tailored nutritional strategies for optimizing bone health in vulnerable preterm populations.