DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED IN NEONATES FED FORMULA DISSOLVED IN TAP WATER (HIGH SODIUM) INSTEAD OF LOW SODIUM MINERAL WATER. ▴ 1832

The influence of salt intake on blood pressure (BP) in the infant is controversial. All milk powder formulas contain almost identical sodium concentrations as breast milk. Since these formulas are diluted in tap water(TW), sodium concentrations may vary widely. This prospective study compares the effect of formula dissolved in low salt mineral water (LSMW) Na⁺ 32 mg/L with TW Na⁺ 196 mg/L on neonatal BP. 3 groups of newborns were studied during the first 2 months of life; G-1 (formula + LSMW), G-2 (formula+ TW), and G-3 were breast fed. The groups were matched for gestational age, birthweight and Apgar scores. Weight, height, head circumference, heart rate, systolic/diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP) were recorded weekly. BP was measured during sleep using a Critikon Dinamap™ 8100 vital signs monitor; urinary Na⁺ /creatinine ratio was determined monthly.

Results⁽¹⁾ Table

Table 1

From the 6th week, DBP, MAP and UNa⁺/UCr were significantly higher in G-2 (TW) than in either G-1 (LSMW) or G-3 (breast milk). BP in the neonate increased with the high sodium intake. To simulate breast milk, infant formula should be dissolved in LSMW.