Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

Gastric response in low birth weight infants fed various formulas

J A Pascale, L C Mims, M G Greenberg

    Biology of the Neonate
    |January 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Higher osmolar load formulas and protein hydrolysates in premature infant feeding were linked to increased gastric retention. This finding is crucial for preventing regurgitation and aspiration in vulnerable newborns.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal nutrition
    • Gastrointestinal physiology in infants

    Background:

    • Premature infants are susceptible to feeding complications like regurgitation and aspiration.
    • Factors such as feeding techniques, delayed gastric emptying, and reverse peristalsis contribute to these issues.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate how different infant formula compositions affect gastric function in low birth weight infants.
    • To identify formula characteristics that may influence gastric retention, pH, and emptying.

    Main Methods:

    • 27 low birth weight infants (<2,000 g) were enrolled.
    • Infants were randomly assigned to receive one of three commercial formulas varying in osmolarity and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) content.
    • Gastric pH and emptying were monitored over the first 48 hours of life.

    Main Results:

    • The fatty acid chain length of formula triglycerides did not impact gastric pH or emptying.
    • Infants fed formulas with a higher osmolar load (539 mosm/l) demonstrated increased gastric retention.
    • Formulas containing protein hydrolysate were also associated with greater gastric retention.

    Conclusions:

    • Formula osmolarity and protein hydrolysate content significantly influence gastric retention in premature infants.
    • These findings suggest that formula composition plays a critical role in managing feeding tolerance and preventing complications in neonates.

    More Related Videos

    Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage10:36

    Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

    Published on: January 27, 2019

    Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers09:36

    Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

    Published on: July 28, 2022

    Related Concept Videos

    Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

    Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

    Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
    Nasointestinal Feeding
    Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

    Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
    Development of Human Microbiota01:30

    Development of Human Microbiota

    The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...