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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #78048
Title: GROWTH OF PREMATURE INFANTS FED FORTIFIED HUMAN MILK

Author
item Schanler, Richard - Rich
item SHULMAN, ROBERT
item LAU, CHANTAL - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE

Submitted to: Pediatric Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Background: The use of human milk for premature infants is increasing, partially because nutrient fortification ensures the attainment of intrauterine mineral accretion rates. Hypothesis: Growth of premature infants fed fortified human milk (FHM) is similar to that of infants fed preterm formula (PF). Subjects: Premature infants were evaluated throughout thospitalization, 41 were fed fortified human milk (FHM) and 42 preterm formula (PF). Methods: Growth and 72-h nutrient balance measured at 6 & 9 wk. Results: FHM and PF had similar birth weight (1.02+/-0.19 vs 1.07+/-0.17 kg, mean +/- SD), gestational age (28 +/- 1 wk each), birth length and head circumference, and age at discharge (73 +/- 20 vs 78 +/- 21 d). Significant differences (p<0.01) between FHM and PF were observed for rates of weight gain (18+/-4 vs 22+/-4 g/kg/d), length increment (0.8+/-0.3 vs 1.0+/-0.2 cm/wk), and increments average skinfold thickness (0.17+/-0.08 8vs 0.25+/-0.09 mm/wk). Milk intakes were significantly greater in FHM vs PF (182+/-11 vs 156+/-10 ml/kg/d). FHM had greater intakes of protein, energy, calcium, and copper, lower intake of magnesium, and similar intakes of fat, zinc, and phosphorus compared with PF. FHM had significantly lower absorption of fat (62+/-16 vs 91+/-6 %), energy (82+/-6 vs 92+/-4 %), and greater absorption of phosphorus, zinc, and copper compared with PF. At 9 wk fat absorption (78+/-15 % vs 92+/-7 %) and energy absorption increased, but remained lower in FHM than PF. Conclusion: Fat absorption may be affected by nutrient fortification. The benefits of improved mineral status vs slower growth need to be determined.