Abstract
Although the fat content of formulas produced in the United States is generally derived from animal sources. Previous studies suggested that butter fat may be less efficiently absorbed than vegetable oils. The absorption of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and fat is intimately linked. While the relation of Ca and P in absorption has been well studied, the role of fat is relatively unknown. We performed 48 hours Ca, P and fat balances of 15 healthy, male, preterm infants (weight 1605.9±129.4g), using 3 isocaloric (20 cal/30 ml) formulas containing different fat blends. I. (5 infants) Similac (S-l) coconut 60%, corn 40% II. (5 infants) Similac (S-2) and III. (5 infants) Malyutka (M-2) USSR. Both the formulas II and III contain butter 36%, sunflower 36% and lard 28%. Infants were receiving a minimum of 110 kcal/ kg/24h orally at the time of the balances. The variables were analyzed statistically with analysis of variance.
Results: There were no significant differences in the percent apparent calcium (90-95%), phosphorus (59-68%) and fat (75-81%) retention. Serum Ca, P, and alkaline phosphatase were normal in all infants. All 3 formulas were well tolerated.
We conclude that the fat blends derived from vegetable and animal sources in the formulas studied are equally absorbed by healthy preterm infants. Fat blends from animal sources may have important economical and ecological implications.
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Wu, P., Aein, T. & Singer, F. 756 CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS AND PAT BALANCES IN PRETERM INFANTS FED FORMULAS CONTAINING VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL FAT BLENDS. Pediatr Res 19, 236 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00786
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00786
