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A modified cows' milk formula suitable for low birthweight infants
Insights
A new cow's milk formula, Prematalac, safely supports growth in low birthweight infants. It provides adequate nutrition with lower fluid intake, preventing electrolyte imbalances like hyponatremia in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Low birthweight infants require high fluid intake for nutrition, increasing risks.
- Preterm infants are susceptible to late hyponatremia due to renal sodium losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new concentrated cow's milk formula (Prematalac) for low birthweight infants.
- To compare its safety and efficacy against a standard formula regarding fluid and sodium balance.
Main Methods:
- Ten low birthweight infants received Prematalac (150 ml/kg/day).
- Twelve similar infants received standard formula (180 ml/kg/day).
- Growth, clinical course, and electrolyte balance were monitored.
Main Results:
- Both groups exhibited intrauterine growth rates with no clinical differences.
- Prematalac group avoided hypernatremia, edema, and dehydration.
- No infants in either group developed hyponatremia.
Conclusions:
- Prematalac facilitates adequate nutrition with reduced fluid volume in low birthweight infants.
- The new formula supports safe excretion of osmotic load and higher urinary sodium.
- Prematalac may offer protection against late hyponatremia in preterm infants.
Abstract:
Low birthweight babies fed standard modified cows' milk formulae are at risk from the high fluid intake needed for adequate nutrition, and very preterm babies often develop late hyponatraemia if the sodium intake fails to match large renal losses. A new cows' milk formula (Cow and Gate Prematalac) provides 120 kcal, 3.6 g protein, 7.5 g fat, and 4 mmol sodium in 150 ml. Ten low birthweight babies were fed the new formula at 150 ml/kg a day and compared with 12 similar babies fed a standard modified cows' milk formula (Wyeth SMA Gold Cap) at 180 ml/kg a day. All the babies grew at intrauterine rates and there was no difference in clinical course. None fed the new formula developed hypernatraemia, oedema, or dehydration and none fed the standard formula developed hyponatraemia. The Prematalac group safely excreted the increased osmotic load and had a higher urinary sodium concentration which should protect less mature preterm infants from late hyponatraemia.