Abstract 652 Poster Session II, Sunday, 5/2 (poster 151)

Previous studies in preterm infants suggested that colonic salvage could support normal weight gain despite lactose malabsorption exceeding 50% of lactose intake ( Am J Clin Nutr 64:700). These conclusions were based on indirect data from stable isotope or breath H2 studies. In this study, 12 piglets (aged 17 days) were randomized to receive control sow milk replacement formula (CON)(Lactose 60 g/L) or pair-fed CON modified so that lactulose replaced 50% of the lactose (LAC). During a 5-7 d period, weight gain and fecal characteristics were observed prior to determinations of breath concentrations of H2 and CH4 and autopsy for cecal histology. The lactulose intake in LAC averaged 8.4 g/kg/d. Neither group developed diarrhea or colitis as was seen in a previous study when piglets were fed 18.6 g/kg/d ( FASEB J 12:A736). Breath concentrations (ppm/5% CO2)(mean ± SEM) of H2 and CH4 were not significantly different in the LAC (respectively 0.5±0.1 and 7.6±1.3) and CON groups (1.9±1.0 and 3.9±1.1). In LAC and CON, formula intakes were similar (279±30 and 280±35) as were the ratios of weight gain/formula intake (g/ml): 0.45±0.06 and 0.38±0.10. These data support the hypothesis that, as in the newborn preterm infant, in the piglet model, colonic salvage can play a major role in the gut assimilation of disaccharide energy.

Funded by: CCFA; Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories; CHRF