Abstract
We measured breath hydrogen in eleven premature infants after they received three different CHO solutions on three separate days. Gestational age ranged from 30-35 weeks (average 32.5 ± 1.4 weeks), with an average birth weight of 1805 ± 285 grams. All infants were receiving a 100% lactose containing formula (SMA) and were studied at the time they reached full feeds, ranging from 5-44 days. The babies were fasted for six hours and then received either a 10% solution of lactose (L), a 10% solution of glucose polymers (GP), or a combined solution of 5% glucose polymers with 5% lactose (GP-L). Despite the fasting, 92% of the tests, began with elevated baselines. There was no significant difference in the peak hydrogen production with the three solutions as a group (L 17.4 ± 13.0 ppm, GP 23.2 ± 19.8. ppm, GP-L 17.4 ± 14.6 ppm). Two infants had markedly elevated peak hydrogen production with the lactose solution, and had required the longest number of days to reach full feeds, 18 and 23, (average for all 9.6 ± 6.5 days). Weight gain for all infants was 24.9 ± 6.7 gm/day (receiving 111 ± 13.8 kcal/kg/day). Our preliminary results indicate that CHO fermentation occurs with several different CHO sources. The data does not support the routine exclusion of lactose from the healthy, growing premature infant's formula. A subgroup of infants exists, who might benefit from a reduced lactose formula. Total weight gain does not seem to be affected by this generalized degree of carbohydrate malabsorption.
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Benkov, K., Sirlin, S., Brown, E. et al. 614 CARBOHYDRATE (CHO) MALABSORPTION IN PREMATURE INFANTS. Pediatr Res 19, 213 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00644
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00644