Abstract
The contribution of glucose to oxidative metabolism was quantified in the human newborn using [U-13C]glucose and indirect respiratory calorimetry. Six infants, gestational age 39.9 ± 0.5 wks (mean ± SD), birth weight 3.06 ± 0.13 kg were studied at 43.7 ± 5.0 hrs of age following a 9.3 ± 0.4 hour fast. A primed constant rate infusion of the tracer was given for 4 to 5 hours. VO2 (ml/kg·min), VCO2 (ml/kg·min) and RQ were measured during the last 2 hours of the study. The fraction of glucose turnover oxidized (FGO) was calculated from the rate of U-13C glucose infused and the change in 13C enrichment of CO2 above baseline. Plateau was achieved after approximately 3½ hrs. The fuel mixture was calculated from VO2 and RQ data assuming an 8% protein contribution.
Conclusions: Only half of the carbohydrate calories can be accounted for by oxidation of glucose turnover. These data suggest that in the fasting newborn, local tissue oxidation of glycogen makes a significant contribution to calories derived from carbohydrate.
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Denne, S., Kalhan, S. & Western, C. 1206 GLUCOSE OXIDATION IN THE HUMAN NEWBORN INFANT. Pediatr Res 19, 311 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01236
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01236