Abstract
Preterm newborns frequently have a slow postnatal growth and a close relationship between growth and both energy and protein intake has been demonstrated. The evaluation of the protein content of breast milk after a preterm delivery, using a quick and simple method, could be very useful to decide how to reach preterm nutritional needs. To evaluate the protein content of preterm breast milk by turbidimetric method. From April 2003 to March 2005 we collected breast milk from mothers who delivered preterm (G.A.24.8–35wks). The protein content (PC) in colostrum, transition milk (3 days after the beginning of lactation), and mature milk (1 week after the beginning of lactation) was measured. Maternal age, parity, diet, social status, as well as the cause of premature delivery, the mode of delivery, and gemellarity have been recorded. Milk was stored in plastic bottles at 4 C (max 12 hours) or at -20 C. PC was measured by a modified turbidimetric Kingsbury method (Milk screen, Callegari, Italy). 97 milk samples were collected. PC was 1.39–2.13 g/dl in colostrum, 1.23–2.04 g/dl in transition milk and 1.26–2.01 g/dl in mature milk. These results are consistent with published data using a spectrophotometric method, a technique neither simple nor easily available. PC gradually diminished from the beginning of lactation until mature milk: colostrum PC was higher compared to both transition milk (p =0.014) and mature milk (p=0.0001); similarly, transition milk PC was higher compared to mature milk (p==.001). A positive correlation has also been found between colostrum and transition milk PC. No correlations have been found between breast milk PC with other factors considered.
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Baldassarre, M., Indrio, F., Valenzano, M. et al. 20 Prematurity and Breast Milk: A New Method to Evaluate its Protein Content. Pediatr Res 58, 357 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00049
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00049