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Plasma mineral concentrations in preterm infants fed a nutrient-enriched formula after hospital discharge
S Rajaram1, S E Carlson, W W Koo
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Insights
Preterm infants fed specialized formula showed accelerated recovery of plasma zinc levels. This specialized preterm infant formula supported normal zinc status without disrupting overall mineral balance.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience zinc deficiency due to immature nutrient absorption.
- Establishing adequate zinc levels is crucial for preterm infant growth and development.
- Previous research indicates potential challenges in maintaining mineral homeostasis with specialized formulas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if prolonged feeding of a preterm infant formula accelerates plasma zinc level recovery in preterm infants.
- To assess the impact of this specialized formula on overall plasma mineral homeostasis.
- To compare outcomes with term infants and published data.
Main Methods:
- Prospective feeding trials involving preterm infants (n=33) and term infants (n=38) as a reference group.
- Preterm infants received a high-zinc preterm formula until 2 months post-term, followed by a term formula.
- Plasma mineral concentrations (zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants fed the specialized preterm formula achieved normal plasma zinc concentrations by at least 2 months past term.
- No adverse effects on plasma mineral homeostasis were observed in the preterm infants.
- Plasma mineral levels in study infants were compared to a reference group of term infants and published values.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged feeding of a preterm infant formula with higher zinc concentrations can effectively restore normal plasma zinc levels in preterm infants.
- This feeding strategy appears safe, maintaining overall mineral homeostasis.
- The findings support the use of specialized preterm formulas for optimizing zinc status in this vulnerable population.
Objective:
To determine whether prolonged feeding of preterm infant formula to preterm infants can accelerate recovery to normal plasma zinc levels without affecting plasma mineral homeostasis.
Design:
Part of concurrent prospective feeding trials in a university hospital-based population.
Subjects And Intervention:
Preterm infants (n = 33; birth weight, 1037 +/- 157 gm) were fed a preterm infant formula with higher concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and potassium until 2 months past expected term, then a term infant formula. Term infants (n = 38; birth weight, 3318 +/- 401 gm) fed this term infant formula from birth were a reference group for comparison with study infants and with published values. Plasma mineral levels were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.
Results:
Preterm infants fed a preterm infant formula after discharge from the hospital appeared to achieve normal plasma zinc concentrations by at least 2 months past term without adverse effects on mineral homeostasis.