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Glucose polymer supplementation of feeds for very low birthweight infants
Insights
Adding glucose polymer (Caloreen) to the diets of very low birthweight infants significantly boosted weight gain without adverse effects. This energy supplement proved beneficial for infant growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric gastroenterology
Background:
- Very low birthweight infants (VLBWIs) often require nutritional support to achieve adequate growth.
- Optimizing energy intake is crucial for VLBWIs to prevent growth faltering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a glucose polymer supplement (Caloreen) in VLBWIs.
- To determine the impact of glucose polymer supplementation on weight gain and linear growth in VLBWIs.
Main Methods:
- A crossover study design was used with 14 VLBWIs (birth weight < 1500 g).
- Infants received either glucose polymer (6 g/kg/day) or standard feeding for alternating 7-day periods.
- Weight gain, length, and head circumference were monitored.
Main Results:
- Glucose polymer supplementation significantly increased the rate of weight gain from 105 g/week to 140 g/week (p<0.05).
- No significant differences were observed in growth rates for length or head circumference.
- No adverse effects were reported during the supplementation periods.
Conclusions:
- Glucose polymer (Caloreen) is a safe and effective energy supplement for VLBWIs.
- Supplementation with glucose polymer can enhance weight gain in VLBWIs.
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes of such supplementation.
Abstract:
The feeds of 14 very low birthweight infants (birth weight less than 1500 g) were supplemented with a glucose polymer (Caloreen) at the rate of 6 g/kg body weight daily. Seven day periods of supplementation were alternated with seven day periods of normal feeding. Adding the glucose polymer significantly increased the rate of weight gain in these infants from 105 g/week to 140 g/week; growth rates in terms of length and head circumference were not affected. No adverse effects were noted. Glucose polymer is a useful energy supplement for very low birthweight infants.