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Use of energy-dense formula for treating infants with non-organic failure to thrive

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 56, pages 921–924 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate if simply increasing the energy density of the formula will lead to increased energy intake and weight gain in infants with non-organic failure to thrive.

Design: In this hospital-based trial, 15 infants (mean age, 7.6±1.4 months) with non-organic failure to thrive were fed a regular strength formula (2.8 kJ/ml) for 3 days and then switched to the same formula with a higher energy density (4.18 kJ/ml) for 3 days after a 2 day ‘wash-out’ period. Daily nude weights and energy intakes were recorded for the two 3 day periods.

Results: During feeding with the higher density formula, nine (60%) infants had a significant increase in their energy intake and weight gain (both P<0.02); four (27%) showed no change in energy intake and self-regulated their intake by decreasing the volume of feeds consumed to maintain energy intake; and two (13%) infants consumed a significantly reduced amount of energy (P<0.02).

Conclusion: Increasing the energy density of the formula may provide a useful intervention to increase the weight gain and energy intake of most infants with non-organic failure to thrive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    V Khoshoo

  2. University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel

    R Reifen

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  1. V Khoshoo
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  2. R Reifen
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Correspondence to V Khoshoo.

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Khoshoo, V., Reifen, R. Use of energy-dense formula for treating infants with non-organic failure to thrive. Eur J Clin Nutr 56, 921–924 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601406

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601406

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