Molybdenum supply of very low-birth-weight premature infants during the first months of life.
This explorative study was performed to assess basic data on the Mo metabolism of premature infants. Premature (n = 18, gestational age < or = 32 wk, birth weight < or = 1,500 g) and healthy formula-fed term infants (n = 14) were nourished and corrected for gestational age, identically. Plasma was collected at 3, 16, and 52 wk and 72 h balances were performed at 3 wk of age. In the premature infants, these investigations were preceded by two balance studies and an initial plasma collection. Increased Mo intake and low relative urinary excretion resulted in a retention of 4.4 (0.99-7.77) microg Mo/kg initially in premature infants (median, range). Parallel plasma concentrations were 5.5 (2.5-7.3) microg Mo/L, declining to 2.36 (0.73-3.87) microg Mo/L at 4 wk. Term infants rendered 1.49 (0.29-1.7) microg Mo/L (p < 0.05), with no significant differences later. It was concluded that the supplementation of formulas for premature infants with Mo should be recinded until there is evidence for its necessity. Index Entries: Mo; premature infants; trace elements; formula; nutrition.
Sievers
E
E
Department of Pediatrics, University of Kiel, Germany.
Schleyerbach
U
U
Arpe
T
T
Garbe-Schönberg
D
D
Schaub
J
J
D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000032:analysis; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000378:metabolism*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D008982:Molybdenum / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D009751:Nutritional Requirements
D018977:Micronutrients; D008982:Molybdenum