Abstract
Growth and metabolic response of LBW infants (BW, 900-1750g) assigned randomly at birth to formulas providing daily protein and calorie intakes of either 2.25g/kg and 120 kcal/kg(A;n=9), 3.8g/kg and 120 kcal/kg(B;n=9) or 3.8 g/kg and 160 kcal/kg (C;n= 9) were determined. Weight gain of infants fed A (23.8±3.Og/d) was less (p<0.05) than that of infants fed B (33.6±4.8g/d) or C (40.2±4.9g/d); that of C was greater than that of B (p<0.05). Increases in length and head circumference were not different among the 3 groups but triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (ΔSFT) increased more rapidly in those fed G(p<0.05). Nitrogen retention of infants fed A(140±44mg/kg.d) was less (p<0.05) than infants fed B or C(293±88 and 283±38mg/kg.d). BUN (1.3±0.8 mg/dl, albumin (2.76±0.3g/dl) and prealbumin (6.2±1.9mg/dl) concentrations as well as the plasma concentration of most amino acids were also lower (p<0.05) in infants fed A. The lower weight gain and nitrogen retention of infants fed A along with the metabolic evidence of protein inadequacy suggests that a protein intake of 2.25g/kg.d is inadequate.
The higher protein content of B and C was well tolerated with no evidence of better utilization with higher energy intake. The fact that the greater weight gain of infants fed C was accompanby a greater ΔSFT suggests that these infants merely became fatter; thus, the higher energy intake appears to offer no advantage.
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Kashyap, S., Forsythe, M., Zucker, C. et al. PROTEIN AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) INFANTS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 201 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00647
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00647