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Dietary Supplementation With Medium-Chain Triglycerides Reduces Candida Gastrointestinal Colonization in Preterm

Amanda B Arsenault1,2, Kearney T W Gunsalus3,4, Sonia S Laforce-Nesbitt1,2

  • 1From the Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|March 30, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) supplementation significantly reduced Candida colonization in preterm infants. This dietary intervention offers a promising strategy for preventing invasive Candida infections in vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Candida infections pose a significant threat to premature infants.
  • Gastrointestinal Candida colonization is a primary route for disseminated infections.
  • Effective strategies to reduce Candida colonization in neonates are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as a dietary supplement.
  • To determine if MCT supplementation reduces Candida colonization in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving preterm infants with Candida colonization.
  • Infants received either MCT supplementation or no supplementation alongside standard enteral feedings.
  • Fungal burden was assessed via daily stool samples over a 3-week period.

Main Results:

  • MCT supplementation led to a significant reduction in Candida fungal burden during the supplementation period.
  • Fungal burden increased significantly after MCT supplementation was discontinued.
  • Control infants did not exhibit similar changes in fungal burden.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) demonstrates potential as an effective method.
  • MCTs may help reduce Candida colonization in preterm infants.
  • This approach could contribute to preventing invasive Candida infections in neonates.

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