Effects of different levels of intravenous alpha-linolenic acid and supplemental breast milk on red blood cell docosahexaenoic acid in very low birth-weight infants.
Preterm infants weighing less than 1,500 g were started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) if unable to tolerate full enteral feedings. They were randomly assigned to receive intravenous lipids containing either 4.2 or 9.0% alpha-linolenic acid to assess the effect on red blood cell (RBC) phospholipid polyenoic fatty acid composition, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) (DHA). DHA ultimately comes from alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n3), although there is evidence in human preterm infants that they require preformed DHA. After 1 week of TPN, infants were started on gradually increasing amounts of enteral feeding, breast milk, if elected by mothers, or premature milk formula (Preemie Enfamil). RBC phospholipid fatty acids were measured weekly. Results were evaluated comparing samples from week 1 and week 6. Supplying 9% alpha-linolenic acid in intravenous lipids did not prevent a fall in DHA by 6 weeks; however, infants receiving breast-milk feeding did not have a significant decrease in DHA. Studies are needed to evaluate supplying DHA in intravenous lipids.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Columbia 65212.
P G
PG
Rhodes
N S
NS
Reddy
G
G
Downing
S E
SE
Carlson
D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008895:Milk, Human; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D011897:Random Allocation; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid
D008042:Linolenic Acids; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids