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Plasma and red cell folate values and folate requirements in formula-fed term infants
Insights
Higher folate levels in infant formula (MF II) improved infant folate status and weight gain compared to lower levels (MF I). Optimal daily folate intake for infants is estimated at 170 nmole (75 micrograms) per day.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Infant Health
Background:
- Folate is crucial for infant development and red blood cell formation.
- Assessing adequate folate intake in formula-fed infants is essential for optimal growth.
- Human milk provides a benchmark for folate status in healthy infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different folate concentrations in infant formulas on plasma and red cell folate levels.
- To compare the folate status and growth of formula-fed infants with breast-fed infants.
- To determine the optimal daily folate intake for formula-fed infants during the first year of life.
Main Methods:
- Studied 64 term infants during their first year of life.
- Compared 33 infants on milk formula I (88 nmole/L folate) and 31 on milk formula II (178 nmole/L folate).
- Compared formula-fed infants to 35 breast-fed infants with optimal folate status.
Main Results:
- Infants on MF I exhibited low plasma and red cell folate concentrations.
- Infants on MF II showed folate values comparable to breast-fed infants.
- Weight gain was significantly higher in infants fed MF II compared to MF I.
Conclusions:
- Formula II, with higher folate content, supports better infant folate status and growth.
- The estimated optimal folate intake for formula-fed infants is approximately 170 nmole (75 micrograms) per day, higher than previously recommended.
- While hemoglobin and red blood cell values were not significantly affected by folate levels, optimal intake is crucial for overall infant health.
Abstract:
Plasma and red cell folate concentrations (L. casei activity) and other pertinent blood values have been studied during the first year of life in 64 term infants. After weaning and until 6 months of age, 33 infants were given milk formula I (88 nmole [39 micrograms] folate per liter) and 31 infants MF II (178 nmole [78 micrograms] folate per liter). These infants were compared with 35 breast-fed term infants, considered to have an optimal folate status. The mean folate concentration in the human milk consumed at 3 months of age was 124 nmole (55 micrograms) per liter. The infants fed MF I had low plasma and red cell folate concentrations during the first months of life. The infants fed MF II had folate values almost comparable to those of the breast-fed infants. The weight gain in the infants fed MF II was significantly higher than observed in the infants fed MF I during the first 6 months of life. No significant differences related to folate deficiency were observed between the hemoglobin, RBC, and VPRC values in the formula-fed infants and those recorded in the breast-fed infants. It is estimated that the optimal folate intake during the first months of life in formula-fed infants is about 170 nmole (75 micrograms) per day. This amount is higher than previously recommended. Infants from all groups had folate intake similar to, or above, the minimal daily requirement needed for the erythropoiesis.