The effects of varying protein and energy intakes on the growth and body composition of very low birth weight infants.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of high dietary protein and energy intake on the growth and body composition of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.


METHODS
Thirty-eight VLBW infants whose weights were appropriate for their gestational ages were assessed for when they could tolerate oral intake for all their nutritional needs. Thirty-two infants were included in a longitudinal, randomized clinical trial over an approximate 28-day period. One control diet (standard preterm formula, group A, n = 8, 3.7 g/kg/d of protein and 129 kcal/kg/d) and two high-energy and high-protein diets (group B, n = 12, 4.2 g/kg/d and 150 kcal/kg/d; group C, n = 12, 4.7 g/kg/d and 150 kcal/kg/d) were compared. Differences among groups in anthropometry and body composition (measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis) were determined. An enriched breast milk group (n = 6) served as a descriptive reference group.


RESULTS
Groups B and C displayed greater weight gains and higher increases in fat-free mass than group A.


CONCLUSIONS
An intake of 150 kcal/kg/d of energy and 4.2 g/kg/d of protein increases fat-free mass accretion in VLBW infants.
Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Juan Antonio
JA
Costa-Orvay
Josep
J
Figueras-Aloy
Gerardo
G
Romera
Ricardo
R
Closa-Monasterolo
Xavier
X
Carbonell-Estrany
D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008895:Milk, Human; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins