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Controlled trial of new formulae for feeding low birth weight infants
Insights
Prematalac (Group B) significantly increased infant weight gain compared to other formulas and expressed breast milk (EBM). This enhanced weight gain in preterm infants may be linked to higher sodium intake.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Infant growth studies
Background:
- Premature infants require specialized nutrition for optimal growth.
- Different infant formulas are available, each with unique nutritional profiles.
- Assessing the impact of specific formulas on infant growth is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of three specialized infant formulas (SMA Low Birth Weight, Prematalac, Preaptamil) and expressed breast milk (EBM) on the growth of preterm infants.
- To evaluate weight gain, linear growth, and head circumference in relation to different feeding regimens.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 85 preterm infants over 13 months.
- Infants were allocated to four groups: SMA Low Birth Weight, Prematalac, Preaptamil, or EBM.
- Growth parameters (weight, length, occipito-frontal circumference) were monitored until infants reached >2.0 kg.
Main Results:
- Infants fed Prematalac (Group B) exhibited the greatest weight gain compared to other groups.
- No significant differences were observed in length gain or occipito-frontal circumference across groups.
- Group B showed higher sodium intake and serum sodium levels, potentially explaining increased weight gain.
Conclusions:
- Prematalac may promote superior weight gain in preterm infants compared to other tested formulas and EBM.
- Higher sodium intake associated with Prematalac could be a key factor in enhanced weight gain.
- Further research is needed to confirm the long-term implications of these findings.
Abstract:
Over a 13-month period 85 babies were randomly allocated to one of three groups at birth. Babies in Group A were fed SMA Low Birth Weight, Group B Prematalac and Group C Preaptamil. A fourth group, the control group was fed expressed breast milk (EBM). The babies were studied when they were on full enteral feeds until weight was greater than 2.0 kg. Weight gain was greatest in Group B compared to the other three groups but there was no significant difference in gain of length or occipito-frontal circumference. The babies in Group B had a lower volume of feeds and lower energy intake than the other groups but had a significantly higher sodium intake which was reflected in higher mean sodium levels. This may have accounted for the increased weight gain. There was no significant difference in serum calcium, osmolality, total protein or haematocrit.