Plasma mineral concentrations in preterm infants fed a nutrient-enriched formula after hospital discharge

Sujatha Rajaram, Susan E. Carlson, Winston W.K. Koo, W. Emmett Braselton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether prolonged feeding of preterm infant formula to preterm infants can accelerate recovery to normal plasma zinc levels without affecting plasma mineral homeostasis. Design: Part of concurrent prospective feeding trials in a university hospital- based population. Subjects and intervention: Preterm infants (n = 33; birth weight, 1037 ± 157 gm) were fed a preterm infant formula with higher concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and potassium until 2 months past expected term, then a term infant formula. Term infants (n = 38; birth weight, 3318 ± 401 gm) fed this term infant formula from birth were a reference group for comparison with study infants and with published values. Plasma mineral levels were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Results: Preterm infants fed a preterm infant formula after discharge from the hospital appeared to achieve normal plasma zinc concentrations by at least 2 months past term without adverse effects on mineral homeostasis. (J P EDIATR 1995;126:791-6).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)791-796
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume126
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1995

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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