Use of energy-dense formula for treating infants with non-organic failure to thrive.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if simply increasing the energy density of the formula will lead to increased energy intake and weight gain in infants with non-organic failure to thrive.


METHODS
In this hospital-based trial, 15 infants (mean age, 7.6+/-1.4 months) with non-organic failure to thrive were fed a regular strength formula (2.8 kJ/ml) for 3 days and then switched to the same formula with a higher energy density (4.18 kJ/ml) for 3 days after a 2 day 'wash-out' period. Daily nude weights and energy intakes were recorded for the two 3 day periods.


RESULTS
During feeding with the higher density formula, nine (60%) infants had a significant increase in their energy intake and weight gain (both P<0.02); four (27%) showed no change in energy intake and self-regulated their intake by decreasing the volume of feeds consumed to maintain energy intake; and two (13%) infants consumed a significantly reduced amount of energy (P<0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing the energy density of the formula may provide a useful intervention to increase the weight gain and energy intake of most infants with non-organic failure to thrive.
Khoshoo
V
V
West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Reifen
R
R
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*