Abstract
Growth in premature infants (weight 1000-2000 gms, 26-32 wks gestation) fed a commercially available low cystine formula was not significantly different from those fed a formulation containing twice the dietary cystine. The formulas were identical with the exception of protein quality; the low cystine formula contained 13mg/100ml and the high cystine formula 24mg/100ml.
There was no significant difference in growth rate of infants, in the serum concentration or the tissue levels (glutathione) of cystine in the two groups. Cystathionase activity in the liver has been reported to be absent in premature infants. These results indicate that the low cystine formula contains adequate cystine for normal growth of premature infants & provides normal serum & tissue levels of this amino acid.
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Malone, J., Curran, J. & Barness, L. IS CYSTINE ESSENTIAL FOR PREMATURE INFANTS?. Pediatr Res 8, 436 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00575
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00575