title: Effect of taurine on synthesis of neutral and acidic sterols and fat absorption in preterm and full-term infants.
abstract: The effect of dietary taurine on the synthesis of neutral and acidic sterols and fat absorption was investigated in 30 newborn children 2 wk after delivery. The infants were divided into five different groups (n = 6 each) according to their gestational age (GA) and weight for GA, and randomly assigned to receive normal formula or formula supplemented with taurine (479 mumol/L). Neutral sterols, acidic sterols, and fatty acids were determined in formulas and feces by gas-liquid chromatography. Only in preterm infants appropriate for GA and small for GA with a mean GA < 33 wk, did taurine supplementation result in lower cholesterol synthesis (-26 +/- 5% and -9 +/- 2%, respectively; P < 0.05) and higher bile acid excretion (100 +/- 35% and 150 +/- 68%, respectively; P < 0.05) and fatty acid absorption (20 +/- 8% and 8 +/- 3%, respectively; P < 0.05). On the basis of these results taurine supplementation is recommended in preterm as well as in small-for-GA neonates < 33 wks of GA who are not on human milk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wasserhess
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Staab
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000143:Acids / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D012016:Reference Values; D013261:Sterols / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013654:Taurine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000143:Acids; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005227:Fatty Acids; D013261:Sterols; D013654:Taurine