Abstract
The ability of low birth weight neonates to utilize protein, in a milk based formulae(MILK)with or without added medium chain triglyceride oil(MCT), was studied-MCT was added to a level of 40% of the fat content. 58 balances in 33 babies were per formed. Babies were divided into 4 groups based on birth weight(above and below 1500g)and intrauterine nutritional status, and randomly allocated to either diet group. MILK fed babies ingested more protein(5.26g);MCT group(4.28g/kg/day)(p<0.01) although energy intakes were similar:MILK-145kcal;MCT-156kcal/kg/day. There was a significant correlation between N-intake and retention(r, 0.83 p<0.001) in all babies;no correlation was found between N-retention and energy intake. Neither nutritional status nor the addition of MCT had any significant effect on weight gain, N-absorption, retention or utilization. However infants with birth weights <1500g absorbed protein less efficiently; 89.7% (< 1500g), 92.3%(>1500g) (P<0.01).These smaller babies effectively conserved nitrogen, once absorbed; 73.6% (<1500g), 68.0% (>1500g) (p<0.05). Net protein utillzation(NPU)then, was not significantly different; 66.0%(<1500g);62.9%(>1500g);and compares with adults (NPU-61%) on egg protein(0.4g/kg/day(J.Nutr.103:1164, 1973)
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Pencharz, P., Degranges, M., Masson, M. et al. PROTEIN UTILIZATION OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES. Pediatr Res 11, 448 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00469
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00469
