Abstract
Medium-chain-triglycerides (MCT) induce a decrease in fat storage in adult animals. To study the effect of MCT on quality of growth in the VLBW infant, oxidation (ox) and accretion (accr) of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate have been measured in 20 growing VLBW infants, fed either an MCT enriched formula (gp 1; n=8) or an LCT formula (gp 2; n=12). 16 studies were performed in each group, combining indirect calorimetry, macronutrient balance and anthropometry.
Weight and length gain simulated intra-uterine growth rate in both groups. Subscapular skinfolds and calculated body fat were similar in both groups, but higher than in the fetus of comparable postconceptional age.
CONCLUSIONS: 1) The similar energy expenditure and fat oxidation indicate that MCT are not preferentially oxidised. 2) Consequently, MCT have to be chain elongated before storage. 3) The improvement of protein accretion to a level exceeding the intra-uterine accretion rate and improved absorption for MCT vs LCT indicate that body composition can be manipulated by isocalorically altering diet composition.
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Van Aerde, J., Sauer, P., Heim, T. et al. THE EFFECT OF DIET COMPOSITION ON ENERGY METABOLISM, SUBSTRATE UTILISATION AND GROWTH IN THE VLBW INFANT. Pediatr Res 19, 1085 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00104
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00104