Effect of sodium bicarbonate on butterfat absorption in the newborn

Fat balance studies were conducted on 50 normal full-term babies during their first 11 days of life. The coefficient of absorption of butterfat increased from 74% to 83% when an evaporated milk was partially neutralized with sodium bicarbonate 9 mEq/d. Infants who received bicarbonate gained an average 50,6 g/d, while those who did not receive alkali gained 22,3 g/d. The reasons for this difference were not established but may be partly related to an improved absorption of fat. No recommendation can be made for the long-term neutralization of cow's milk.