A new breast milk supplement for preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Pediatric biochemistry
• Fatty acid metabolism

Background:

• Preterm infants have unique nutritional needs.
• Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) are crucial for infant development.
• Standard formulas may not fully meet the LC PUFA requirements of preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a novel formula, Prenan, on the fatty acid profiles of preterm infants.
• To compare the effects of Prenan with standard formula and expressed breast milk (EBM).

Main Methods:

• Plasma fatty acid analysis using gas-liquid chromatography in 61 preterm infants.
• Paired sample analysis in 20 infants to assess changes over time.

Main Results:

• Higher plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were observed in infants fed EBM +/- Prenan compared to standard formula +/- EBM.
• Plasma arachidonic acid (AA) levels in the Prenan group were comparable to EBM and higher than standard formula.
• Switching to Prenan significantly increased DHA levels in preterm infants, reaching levels similar to breast-fed infants.

Conclusions:

• Prenan's fatty acid composition supports achieving plasma DHA and AA levels similar to breast milk in preterm infants.
• Prenan is a suitable supplement for breast milk, providing LC PUFA, phosphorus, and protein.
• Prenan offers an alternative for preterm infants without exposing them to intact cow's milk protein.