Blood levels of critical amino acids in very low birthweight infants on a high human milk protein intake.
A method for a semi-industrial production of human milk subfractions (human milk protein and human milk fat isolates) is described. Four very low birthweight (VLBW) newborn were given a human milk protein isolate added to the mother's own fresh expressed milk in addition to sodium chloride up to 20 mEkv/liter. Growth followed the intrauterine growth curve. Urea levels did not increase in spite of providing a double-normal protein intake. There was no metabolic acidosis and the blood levels of free amino acids determined with a micro-method did not exceed those seen after a normal meal. The concentrated human milk protein product showed a considerable specific sIgA activity against E. coli 0-antigen. It seems possible to use similar "lacto-engineering"-techniques in order to satisfy the increased protein requirements of the VLBW infant, while providing the caloric requirements, without causing any visible disturbance of blood-homeostasis of urea, amino acids or base excess. The method could provide knowledge about the "human milk protein requirements" and a controlled study has been started.
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential / Q000097:blood*; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential; D008894:Milk Proteins