Abstract
VLBW infants are prone to severe postnatal bone demineralisation owing to a high requirement (3.2mMol/10g weight gain) but a low absorption rate (15-50%) of Calcium (Ca) from formulas. The absorption can be compensated for by increasing the Ca intake. There is, however, concern about fat malabsorption and decreased weight gain because of a high Ca supplement.
Methods: We therefore studied the weight gain of 70 VLBW infants (median birth weight 1020g, range 440-1485; median gestational age 28 weeks, range 24-32), who were supplemented individually by stepwise increasing an admixture of solid Ca-gluconate and Ca-glycerophosphate to the feedings until both Ca and Phosphate were excreted with urine (1-2mMol/l) (1). Infants were fed breast milk or preterm formula. The daily weight gain was calculated from 377 6-day periods and correllated to the average daily Ca intake (milk + supplement) these periods. Infants were studied for 30 days (median) (range 6-66 days). Postmenstrual age at the time of the study was 35 weeks (median) (range 29-43).
Results: Linear regression analysis did not show any evidence that weight gain (median 20.8 g/day) was reduced by increased Ca intake within the range of 1.3 - 19 mMol/kg×day (median 6.4). Regression line was y(g/day) = 0.00137×(mMol Ca/kg×day) +19.9. No case of necrotizing enterocolitis or intestinal obstruction occurred.
Conclusion: Individual supplementation of VLBW infants with solid Ca-gluconate and Ca-glycerophosphate does not impair weight gain, is well tolerated and effects bone mineralisation identical to in utero as has been shown earlier (1).
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pohlandt, F., Gortner, L. & Bartmann, P. 4 WEIGHT GAIN OF Ca-SUPPLEMENTED VLBW INFANTS. Pediatr Res 28, 277 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00028
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00028