Optimal growth and lower fat mass in preterm infants fed a protein-enriched postdischarge formula

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 Feb;50(2):200-7. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181a8150d.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Postdischarge formulas with extra energy and protein improve short-term growth but may also influence long-term body composition in an unwanted manner. Energy- and protein-enriched formulas with an increased protein-to-energy ratio improves gain of lean mass. The objective of the study was to investigate whether feeding a nutrient-enriched formula without extra energy after term, usually 3 to 4 weeks after discharge, would influence growth and body composition in infancy.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial preterm infants were fed fortified human milk or preterm formula until term. At term, 102 infants were randomized to a nutrient-enriched formula without extra energy or standard formula until 6 months corrected age. Twenty-six infants received unfortified human milk after term. At term and 6 months corrected age, anthropometry and a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan were performed. Lean and fat mass (FM) were corrected for height.

Results: There were no differences in growth or body size between the feeding groups. Infants fed the enriched formula gained less FM and had lower FM corrected for body size at 6 months corrected age than infants fed standard formula. Infants fed human milk had lower lean mass and higher FM corrected for body size at 6 months corrected age than formula-fed infants.

Conclusions: Feeding nutrient-enriched formula without extra energy after term does not change quantity of growth but does influence type of weight gain and body composition of preterm infants. Infants fed the nutrient-enriched formula had lower FM corrected for body size at 6 months corrected age than infants fed standard formula or human milk.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects
  • Body Composition / drug effects*
  • Body Fluid Compartments
  • Body Size / drug effects
  • Diet
  • Dietary Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Growth / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Formula / pharmacology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / growth & development*
  • Male
  • Milk, Human
  • Weight Gain

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins