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Metabolic balance studies and plasma amino acid concentrations in preterm infants fed experimental protein
1Division of Neonatology, University of Liège, Hôpital de la Citadelle, Belgium.
Insights
This study found that preterm infants fed protein hydrolysate formulas showed decreased nitrogen and phosphorus absorption but similar retention compared to standard formulas. Plasma amino acid levels varied, with increased threonine and decreased tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Preterm infants have unique nutritional needs.
- Protein hydrolysate formulas are designed for easier digestion and absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different protein hydrolysate preterm formulas on nutrient absorption and plasma amino acid profiles in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Metabolic balance studies were conducted on preterm infants fed three experimental protein hydrolysate preterm formulas (PTHF1, PTHF2, PTHF3) and a standard preterm formula.
- Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured in infants fed these formulas.
Main Results:
- Protein hydrolysate formulas led to decreased nitrogen and phosphorus absorption but did not alter retention compared to standard formula.
- Calcium retention required higher intake with hydrolysate formulas.
- Plasma amino acid profiles shifted, with increased threonine and decreased tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Protein hydrolysate formulas affect nutrient absorption and plasma amino acid profiles in preterm infants.
- Careful consideration of specific amino acid compositions is necessary when selecting preterm formulas.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate absorption and retention of nitrogen, fat, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as plasma amino acid concentrations in 19 preterm infants fed three experimental protein hydrolysate preterm formulas (PTHF): seven received a preterm formula based on 100% whey hydrolysate protein (PTHF1), seven other infants were fed a preterm formula based on a mixture of 78% whey and 22% casein hydrolysed protein (PTHF2) and a third group of five infants were fed the same type of protein hydrolysate (78/22) enriched with histidine (PTHF3). Metabolic balances (n = 39) and plasma amino acid concentrations (n = 12) in preterm infants fed a standard preterm formula (whey/casein: 60/40) were included as a control group. Amino acid composition of the formulas was determined after complete hydrolysis with 12 N HCl. Compared with the standard preterm formula, the use of protein hydrolysate formulas led to a decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus absorption without modification of retention. Net absorption of calcium and magnesium was not significantly different in the four groups but calcium intake necessary to obtain calcium retention similar to the standard preterm formula was higher in the infants fed the hydrolysate formulas. Plasma amino acid concentrations were related to the amino acid composition of the formulas. Compared with the standard preterm formula, all three protein hydrolysate formulas led to a significant increase in plasma threonine, and a decrease in tyrosine and phenylalanine concentrations. In addition, there was an important reduction in plasma histidine concentrations with PTHF1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)