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Fatty acid concentrations in preterm infants fed the exclusive human milk diet: a prospective cohort study

Lindsay F Holzapfel1,2, Jana P Unger3, Pam Gordon3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. lindsay.n.fleig@uth.tmc.edu.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|December 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

An exclusive human milk diet supports essential fatty acid levels in preterm infants but does not prevent a postnatal deficit in arachidonic acid. Growth outcomes remained comparable between groups.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Growth

Background:

  • Preterm infants have unique nutritional needs.
  • Exclusive human milk diets are increasingly used.
  • Fatty acid profiles and growth are critical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify blood fatty acids in preterm infants fed an exclusive human milk diet.
  • To assess growth outcomes in this cohort.
  • To compare outcomes between infants fed mother's own milk versus donor milk.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 30 preterm infants (24-34 weeks gestation, ≤1250g).
  • Blood fatty acids measured at two time points.
  • Statistical comparisons using t-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Main Results:

  • Infants fed donor milk showed a higher linoleic to docosahexaenoic acid ratio change compared to those fed mother's own milk (p=0.034).
  • Docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid changes were similar between groups.
  • Arachidonic acid showed a similar negative change in both groups; growth velocities at 36 weeks postmenstrual age were comparable.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive human milk diets maintain docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid levels.
  • A postnatal deficit in arachidonic acid was observed and not prevented by this diet.
  • Growth parameters were similar, suggesting overall nutritional adequacy for growth.
Abstract

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