Nutritional balance studies in very-low-birth-weight infants: role of whey formula.

Although the optimal type and amount of protein for feeding very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants is not well defined, a protein composition with a whey protein to casein ratio of 60/40 is generally considered desirable. This study used the metabolic balance technique to compare nitrogen retention rates in 19 VLBW (less than 1,530 g) infants fed either an experimental whey protein-predominant formula (WPF) containing ultra filtered whey protein or a conventional casein-predominant formula (CPF) containing approximately 20% more protein and more minerals. Blood chemistries and anthropometric measurements were assessed serially.

Relationship between infant death and maternal age. Comparison of sudden infant death incidence with other causes of infant mortality.

The high incidence of sudden infant death syndrome in infants born to teenage mothers prompted us to search for epidemiologic clues that might relate to SIDS causation. The death rate for SIDS was compared with that of other major causes of infant mortality in two maternal age groups (younger than 20 years and 30 to 34 years). In the neonatal period, a significantly greater overall mortality occurred in infants born to the younger mothers.

Nutritional balance studies in very low-birth-weight infants: role of soy formula.

Although a soy-based lactose-free infant formula is sometimes used for feeding very low-birth-weight infants, the nutritional adequacy of this diet has not been thoroughly investigated. This study used the metabolic balance technique to compare nutrient retention rates in 19 very low-birth-weight (less than 1,530 gm) infants fed either a soy-based formula or a conventional milk-based formula. Serum chemistries and anthropometric measurements were assessed serially.

Nutritional balance studies in very-low-birth-weight infants: enhanced nutrient retention rates by an experimental formula.

An experimental infant developed to meet the specific nutritional needs of very-low-birth-weight infants was evaluated by 96-hour balance studies in ten preterm infants (birth weight: 1,130 to 1,530 gm). The formula contained 23.2 gm/liter of protein (whey protein/casein ratio, 60:40), 44.