Publication Date
5-1-2024
Journal
Journal of Perinatology
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Quantify blood fatty acids and growth outcomes in preterm infants fed the exclusive human milk diet.
METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 30 infants 24-34 weeks gestation and ≤1250 g fed the exclusive human milk diet. Blood fatty acids were quantified at two time points. Comparisons were made using two-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum.
RESULTS: Donor human milk-fed (n = 12) compared to mother's own milk-fed infants (n = 18) from birth to after 28 days of life, had an increased interval change of linoleic to docosahexaenoic acid ratio (5.5 vs. -1.1 mole percent ratio, p = 0.034). Docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid interval changes were similar between groups. The arachidonic acid change was similar between groups (-2.3 vs. -0.9 mole percent, p = 0.37), however, both experienced a negative change across time. At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, growth velocities were similar for groups.
CONCLUSION: An exclusive human milk diet maintains birth docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations. However, the postnatal deficit in arachidonic acid was not prevented.
Keywords
Humans, Milk, Human, Prospective Studies, Infant, Newborn, Female, Male, Infant, Premature, Fatty Acids, Arachidonic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Gestational Age, Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena, Breast Feeding
Included in
Health Services Research Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Pediatrics Commons
Comments
PMID: 38082071