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[Determination of intestinal blood losses in full-term infants]
Insights
Newborn intestinal blood loss is minimal, averaging 0 to 0.104 ml/24 hours. This study indicates breast milk does not cause these negligible intestinal blood losses in healthy infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Gastrointestinal health
- Pediatric nutrition
Context:
- Assessing infant health during the critical first week of life.
- Investigating potential adverse effects of breastfeeding.
- Understanding normal physiological parameters in newborns.
Purpose:
- To quantify intestinal blood loss in healthy, full-term newborns during the first week of life.
- To determine if breastfeeding contributes to intestinal blood loss.
- To establish baseline blood loss values for comparison.
Summary:
- This study measured intestinal blood loss in eleven normal newborns using Cr51 labeling.
- Results showed negligible blood loss, ranging from 0 to 0.104 ml/24 hours.
- The findings suggest human breast milk is not a cause of intestinal blood loss in the neonatal period.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data on normal neonatal gastrointestinal blood loss.
- Reassures healthcare providers and parents about the safety of breastfeeding.
- Establishes a benchmark for future research on infant gut health and nutrition.
Abstract:
Eleven normal full-term newborn babies with no intercurrence in perinatal period were studied to determine the volume of intestinal blood losses during breast feeding in the first week of life. Cr51 labelling method was used. The conclusions drawn are: 1. Normal newborn babies have blood intestinal losses ranging from zero to 0.104 ml/24 hours. 2. Intestinal blood losses determined in this study are negligible and allow the conclusion that human breast milk is not responsible for intestinal blood losses that occur during the first week of life.