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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

One-step Metabolomics: Carbohydrates, Organic and Amino Acids Quantified in a Single Procedure
09:28

One-step Metabolomics: Carbohydrates, Organic and Amino Acids Quantified in a Single Procedure

Published on: June 25, 2010

Stool and urinary sugars in normal neonates

R Counahan, J Walker-Smith

    Archives of Disease in Childhood
    |July 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    In healthy newborns, low stool pH and the presence of reducing substances may indicate lactose malabsorption. Further testing is recommended for accurate diagnosis in neonates.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal physiology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Pediatric nutrition

    Background:

    • Neonatal stool characteristics can offer insights into digestive health.
    • Understanding normal ranges is crucial for identifying potential issues in newborns.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate stool pH and reducing substances in healthy neonates.
    • To identify patterns indicative of carbohydrate malabsorption in infants.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of stool pH and reducing substances in 51 neonates (5-8 days old).
    • Stool chromatography performed on select infants to identify specific sugars.
    • Urine chromatography conducted on 60 neonates to detect sugar levels.

    Main Results:

    • Six neonates had a stool pH of 5 or less; 4 were exclusively breastfed.
    • Reducing substances (0-5% or more) were detected in 16 stools.
    • Stool chromatography revealed lactose malabsorption patterns in 13 infants; 3 had oligosaccharides or maltose.
    • Detectable sugars in urine were found in 11 neonates, with 3 exceeding 50 mg/100 ml.

    Conclusions:

    • Low stool pH and reducing substances may suggest carbohydrate malabsorption in neonates.
    • Lactose malabsorption is a potential finding in normal-appearing newborns.
    • Further investigation of neonatal digestive function is warranted.

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