Related Experiment Videos
The development of pancreatic function in premature infants after milk-based and soy-based formulas
Insights
Soy-based formula feeding in premature infants improved pancreatic enzyme response to cholecystokinin (CCK) compared to milk-based formula. Both formulas supported similar infant weight gain and basal pancreatic exocrine function.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition and Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Pancreatic Physiology
Background:
- Premature infants often require specialized feeding methods like nasojejunal tubes.
- Pancreatic exocrine function is crucial for nutrient digestion and absorption in neonates.
- The impact of different infant formulas on developing pancreatic function requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of soy-based versus milk-based formulas on pancreatic exocrine function in premature infants.
- To assess changes in specific pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amylase) and their response to hormonal stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one premature infants receiving nasojejunal feeding were studied.
- Pancreatic exocrine function was assessed before and after 30 days of feeding with either soy-based or milk-based formula.
- Measurements included basal enzyme secretion and response to pancreozymin (CCK) and secretin.
Main Results:
- Both soy- and milk-based formulas resulted in comparable weight gain and similar basal secretion of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase.
- Neither formula led to amylase secretion or response to CCK at baseline.
- After 30 days, soy-based formula feeding selectively enhanced the trypsin and lipase response to CCK, unlike milk-based formula.
Conclusions:
- Soy-based and milk-based formulas support similar growth and basal pancreatic enzyme secretion in premature infants.
- Soy-based formula feeding demonstrates a beneficial effect on stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to CCK.
- Further research into formula composition and its long-term effects on infant digestive health is warranted.
Abstract:
Thirty-one premature infants who required nasojejunal feeding were evaluated for pancreatic exocrine function before and after feeding of milk-based or soy-based formulas for 30 days. The two groups were well matched for age and birth weight (about 1.5 kg). At birth, all infants had high basal secretion of trypsin and chymotrypsin, but low lipase and no amylase activity. Additionally, there was no response to pancreozymin (CCK). After 30 days of feeding with either soy or milk-based formulas, both groups showed a similar increase in body weight (to 1.8 kg) and basal secretion of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase and failure to secrete amylase. The group that was fed milk-based formula failed to respond to CCK and secretin administration. Thus, soy- and milk-based formulas result in similar weight gain and similar basal pancreatic enzyme secretion while feeding with soy-based formula selectively increases the trypsin and lipase response to CCK.