RT Journal
A1 Donovan SM, Atkinson SA, Whyte RK, Lönnerdal B
T1 PArtition of nitrogen intake and excretion in low-birth-weight infants
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1989
FD December 1
VO 143
IS 12
SP 1485
OP 1491
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150240107029
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150240107029
AB • Although nitrogen balance studies have been carried out in low-birth-weight infants, few have partitioned the nitrogen into its components. In this study, 72-hour balance studies were conducted in 24 low-birth-weight infants (gestational age, 30.7±1.6 weeks; birth weight 1.36±0.25 kg) fed their mothers' milk (preterm milk) or 50% preterm milk and 50% formula. Total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, and whey protein intake and excretion were measured. Total nitrogen intake (preterm milk group, 452 ± 138 mg/kg per day; preterm+formula group, 406±93 mg/kg per day), absorption (85%), and retention (71%) were not significantly different between groups. Intact and fragments of secretory IgA and lactoferrin were detected in soluble fecal extracts, and represented 25% and 9% of intake, respectively. Feeding preterm milk allows for nitrogen accretion similar to intrauterine growth rates for 5 weeks postnatally, and provides potentially functional proteins for the low-birth-weight infant.(AJDC. 1989;143:1485-1491)