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Results of feeding a special formula to very low birth weight infants
Insights
This study found that a special formula met the nutritional needs of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, supporting growth comparable to fetal development and preventing metabolic acidosis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Premature infants, specifically those with very low birth weight (VLBW), require specialized nutritional support.
- Established nutritional guidelines exist for VLBW infants, but real-world feeding study data is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specialized infant formula designed for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- To assess infant growth and metabolic parameters when fed a formula meeting American Academy of Pediatrics nutritional recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A feeding study involving 58 premature infants (<1,600 g birth weight) across three newborn nurseries.
- Monitoring of anthropometric measurements, weight acquisition rates, and key metabolic markers (pH, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, glucose).
- Formula provided protein (2.3–3.7 g/kg/day) and calories (105–150 kcal/kg/day) as recommended.
Main Results:
- Infants exhibited weight gain rates comparable to fetal growth curves.
- No instances of late metabolic acidosis were observed; metabolic parameters remained within normal ranges.
- Serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, and total protein levels were normal throughout the study.
- Blood urea nitrogen levels decreased, and no reactive hypoglycemia was detected.
Conclusions:
- The specialized formula effectively supported appropriate growth in VLBW infants.
- The formula met recommended nutritional targets and maintained favorable metabolic and biochemical profiles.
- This formula appears to be a safe and effective option for feeding very low birth weight infants.
Abstract:
Fifty-eight premature infants weighing less than 1,600 g at birth were fed a special formula. The formula contained nutrients in amounts recommended by the Committee ono Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The feeding studies were carried out at newborn nurseries in Tampa, Florida (study A, n = 25), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (study B, n = 20), and Oaklawn, Illinois (study C, n = 13). Study subjects were comparable in birth weight, gestational age, and in the duration of follow-up in the nurseries. All study subjects grew at rates of weight acquisition equivalent to the comparative fetal counterpart. Routine anthropometric measurements were similar to those of fetal development curves. Mean protein intake ranged from 2.3 to 3.7 g/kg/day and mean caloric intake from 105 to 150 kcal/kg/day. Late metabolic acidosis in association with prematurity was absent in all subjects studied as demonstrated by normal pH values, bicarbonate, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. Serum sodium and serum chloride levels were normal. Serum calcium ranged from 8.3 to 10.1 mg/dl and serum phosphorus from 6.0 to 7.5 mg/dl. Total serum protein levels ranged from 4.5 to 5.1 g/dl. Blood urea nitrogen diminished progressively from 5.1 to 2 mg/dl in the course of the study. Serum glucose levels in samples taken prior to and 2 h after feeding did not demonstrate any evidence of reactive hypoglycemia.
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