OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two diets based on human milk (HM) added with PreNan® or FM 85® on physical growth, bone mineralization and duration of hospitalization. METHODS: Two groups of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were studied: Group A, 14 infants fed with HM+FM 85® (5g/100mL HM) and Group B, 11 infants fed with HM+PreNan® 19% volume to volume (v/v), from the 15th day of life up to 2000g of weight. The parameters measured were: weight, length, head circumference; mean left triciptal skinfold thickness; calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and creatinine (serum and urine) and alkaline phosphatase (serum) at the beginning and at the end of the observation. The tubular phosphorus reabsorption rate (%TPR) was calculated and bone mineralization was assessed by X-ray. RESULTS: 11 infants of each group completed the study. There were no differences between the two groups at the beginning of the study. Weight gain per day (g/d) or per kg per day (g/kg/d) was significantly higher in Group B, and duration of hospitalization was shorter. Serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels did not differ between groups, but alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in Group A at the end of the study. Groups were similar regarding bone mineralization and %TPR. CONCLUSIONS: Both diets were well tolerated. In terms of weight gain and bone metabolism, supplementation of HM with PreNan® 19% v/v was slightly but significantly better than with FM 85®.
nutrition; bone mineralization; growth; infant, newborn; infant, premature
