Abstract
Preterm human milk (PHM) initially contains high levels of nutrients to help meet most premature infant needs. However, calcium and phosphorus and, after 2 to 4 weeks, some other nutrient levels in PHM are lower than required for optimal nutrition. A human milk fortifier (HMF) was designed to be added to PHM after 2 weeks post-partum to raise nutrient levels to approximate requirements. HMF increased protein (60:40 whey:casein) by 0.7 g/dl, calories by 4 kcal/oz, and minerals (mg/dl) as follows: Ca 60, P 33, Na 6.9, K 16, Cl 18, Mg 4, Cu 0.04, Zn 0.8. Ten preterm infants received PHM alone, 8 received PHM plus HMF (FPHM), and 12 received Enfamil Premature Formula (EPF).
* p < .05 compared to the other groups. Serum values determined after 2 to 4 weeks on study. BMC = Bone mineral content of mid humerus at study conclusion. Cal effic = caloric efficiency.
Those infants receiving HMF responded comparably to those receiving EPF, but grew faster and tended to have better mineral status (not statistically significant) than those receiving PHM alone. No clinically significant differences were observed in metabolic parameters, feeding tolerance, or complications. This data supports the use of HMF in human milk fed preterm infants.
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Modanlou, H., Lim, M. & Hansen, J. Growth and Mineral Metabolism in preterm infants receiving a novel human milk fortifier. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 205 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00675
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00675
