Effects of formula protein level and ratio on infant growth, plasma amino acids and serum trace elements. II. Follow-up formula

Infants, that had been formula-fed from birth, were fed follow-up formula with 1.5, 2.2 or 2.9 g protein/dl together with 25 g of cereal/day as supplemental food, or formula only (15 g/dl). Formulas were started at 4 months of age and daily intake, anthropometric measurements and plasma samples taken at 5, 6 and 7 months. Protein intake was 2.0, 3.0 and 3.7 g/kg/d, respectively. Growth data were similar for all groups, as were hemoglobin and serum protein values. BUN values for the group fed only formula with 1.5 g protein/dl were lower than for the group fed the same formula with cereals and the other groups. Plasma amino acids were not affected by the addition of the small amount of cereals to the formula with 1.5 g protein/dl, but significantly higher levels of valine, leucine and histidine were found at 7 months for infants fed the two higher protein levels. The highest protein level also appeared to have a negative effect on plasma zinc levels. These results suggest that a protein level of 1.5 g/dl in follow-up formula (2.0 g/kg/d) is adequate during 4 to 7 months of age and that higher protein levels may be excessive.     

Effects of Formula Protein Level and Ratio on Infant Growth, Plasma Amino Acids and Serum Trace Elements I. Cow's Milk Formula

Abstract. The optimum level and ratios of protein to be used in cow's milk formula has recently been under discussion. Healthy term infants were fed from birth exclusively human milk or a formula that varied in protein level or whey:casein ratio: (A) 1.4 g/dl; 55:45, (B) 1.5 g/dl; 55:45, (C) 1.3 g/dl; 55:45, (D) 1.4 g/dl; 60:40, (E) 1.4 g/dl; 20:80. Infants were followed for 12 weeks and blood samples were taken at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices did not show any significant differences among groups. Plasma amino acid and BUN levels of the C group were closest to the breast-fed group, while the formula with the highest protein level (B) resulted in high values for some amino acids. When comparing the formulas with 1.4 g protein/dl, the high casein group had the lowest plasma tryptophan levels. Taurine was added to all formulas at a level similar to that of breast milk; plasma taurine levels were similar for all groups. All formulas contained 0.7 mg iron and 0.7 mg zinc/dl; no differences were found among the groups in hematological indices or serum trace elements. These data show that feeding a formula with 1.3 g protein/dl and 55:45 whey: casein ratio from birth will result in growth and metabolic indices similar to those of breast-fed infants, although some plasma amino acid levels are not identical, 1990.     

Relationship between Protein and Energy in the Feeding of Preterm Infants during the First Month of Life

ABSTRACT. Energy and protein quantity and quality in the diet are factors regulating the rate of growth in the preterm infant. In the present study twenty infants 31–36 weeks of gestational age were fed with two identical test formulas which vried only in the content of energy. One formula (F-81) contained 3.1 g protein (60 bovine whey: 40 bovine caseins) and 81 kcal per dl. The second formula (F-94) contained the same amount of protein but 94 kcal per dl. At an intake of 150 ml/kg/d the infants received 4.6 g protein/kg/d and either 121 or 141 kcal/kg/d. The infants on F-94 had a significantly higher rate of weight gain, but growth of length and head circumference was equal in the two groups. Significant differences were found in the plasma concentrations of glutamine and alanine between the two feeding groups. The other plasma amino acids were not statistically different in the two groups of infants. Urine excretion of threonine, serine, glycine, alanine, histidine, tyrosine, glutamine and cystathionine was significantly increased in the high caloric, F-94-group. The results indicate that increasing the caloric intake above 120 kcal/kg/d in preterm infants on a relatively high protein intake does not increase linear growth but does produce increased weight gain. The biochemical results provide indirect evidence that this weight increase is the result of increased fat accretion.     

Effect of Calcium Supplementation on Calcium and Phosphorus Balance and Renal Net Acid Excretion in Preterm Infants Fed a Standard Formula

ABSTRACT. In 19 preterm infants fed a standard formula for prematures (calcium (Ca) 13.5 mmol/l; phosphorus (P) 12.9 mmol/l), biochemical parameters of blood, serum and urine were determined before and during supplementation with Ca-L-lactate (final Ca concentration 20 mmol/l). In 8 preterm boys Ca and P balance were evaluated in addition. During Ca supplementation, the serum Ca levels, urine pH (without supplement 6.31, with supplement 6.73), and calciuria (46 μmol/kg/d vs. 98 μmol/kg/d) were increased, and urinary P (1.05 mmol/kg/d vs. 0.65 mmol/kg/d) and net acid excretion (1.70 mEq/kg/d vs. 0.89 mEq/kg/d) were decreased. Balance studies showed increased net intestinal Ca absorption during supplementation (37 % vs. 56 %) as well as improved Ca (0.8 mmol/kg/d vs. 1.85 mmol/kg/d) and P retention (0.97 mmol/kg/d vs. 1.45 mmol/kg/d). These data show that increased Ca intake given to optimize the Ca:P ratio improves mineral retention in preterm infants fed a standard formula. Ca and P intake should be thoroughly balanced to avoid side-effects like hypercalciuria or high renal net acid excretion.     

Growth and Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Very Low Birthweight Infants Fed Either Human Milk Protein Fortified Human Milk or a Whey-Predominant Formula

ABSTRACT. In a prospective, study involving 20 VLBW-infants (AGA), divided into two study groups of 10 infants, we have evaluated the effects on growth and metabolism of human milk fortified with ultrafiltrated human milk protein and a whey-predominant (whey/ casein = 60/40) formula containing 2 g/dl of protein. The study was initiated at a mean age of 30 days when an oral intake of 180 ml/kg/d was tolerated and continued until a weight of 2 kg was reached. The protein intake in both groups was about 3.7 g/kg/d. All infants in both groups reached intrauterine rates of growth for the age, weight gain 18.0 g/kg/d, and length 1.2 cm/week. BUN, acid-base status, total protein and albumin were normal and similar in the two groups. Plasma levels of threonine, glycine, citrulline and methionine were significantly greater in the formula-fed infants. Taurine and proline had higher concentrations in the protein fortified human milk group. There was good tolerance of protein from both sources but the differences in plasma amino acid profiles suggest that the dietary protein quality in formulas for preterm infants must be further modified, if the goal of formula feeding is to achieve metabolic indices of protein metabolism similar to those found when human milk protein is used.     

Evidence for Amino Acid Induced Cholestasis in Very-low-birth-weight Infants with Increasing Enteral Protein Intake

ABSTRACT. In the present investigation 32 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants fed at three different levels of protein intake (2.92 g/kg/d from human milk, 3.22 and 4.06 g/kg/d from formula) were studied at the mean age of 21 days. Serum total α-amino nitrogen concentration correlated directly to total bile acid concentration. The serum and urine a-amino nitrogen and the serum bile acid concentration correlated with protein intake. The increase in protein intake was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the intraluminal bile acid concentration in the AGA infants. The results offer indirect evidence of decreased bile flow in YLBW-infants on excessive oral protein intake. The cholestatic effect could be mediated by an increase in the plasma amino acid concentration.     

Iron, zinc, copper and selenium status of breast-fed infants and infants fed trace element fortified milk-based infant formula

Infants were fed cow's milk-based formulas containing 4 mg of iron/I from 1.5 to 6 months of age and their hematological status was compared to infants receiving the same formula but with 7 mg of iron/l and with breast-fed infants. One formula with 4 mg of iron/l contained iron as ferrous sulfate, in another, part of the iron was provided as bovine lactoferrin. We also studied the effect of selenium (10 μg/l) and copper (0.4 mg/l) supplementation on selenium and copper status. There were no significant differences in hematological indices among the groups at 6 months of age; all infants had satisfactory iron status. Serum transferrin receptor levels, a potential novel indicator of iron status, were highest in breast-fed infants, suggesting a cellular need for iron, and lowest in infants receiving formula with 7 mg of iron/l. Selenium status, as assessed by serum glutathione peroxidase activity, was similar at 6 months of age in breast-fed infants and infants fed formula fortified with selenium but lower in infants fed unfortified formula. The lowest levels of glutathione peroxidase activity were found in infants fed the highest concentration of iron (7 mg/l). Serum copper concentrations were similar in all groups, but the lowest levels were found in infants fed the highest concentration of iron. These results suggest that 4 mg of iron/l is adequate for infants up to 6 months of age and that higher levels may have some negative effects.     

Relationship between protein and energy in the feeding of preterm infants during the first month of life

Energy and protein quantity and quality in the diet are factors regulating the rate of growth in the preterm infant. In the present study twenty infants 31-36 weeks of gestational age were fed with identical test formulas which varied only in the content of energy. One formula (F-81) contained 3.1 g protein (60 bovine whey: 40 bovine caseins) and 81 kcal per dl. The second formula (F-94) contained the same amount of protein but 94 kcal per dl. At an intake of 150 ml/kg/d the infants received 4.6 g protein/kg/d and either 121 or 141 kcal/kg/d. The infants on F-94 had a significantly higher rate of weight gain, but growth of length and head circumference was equal in the two groups. Significant differences were found in the plasma concentrations of glutamine and alanine between the two feeding groups. The other plasma amino acids were not statistically different in the two groups of infants. Urine excretion of threonine, serine, glycine, alanine, histidine, tyrosine, glutamine and cystathionine was significantly increased in the high caloric, F-94-group. The results indicate that increasing the caloric intake above 120 kcal/kg/d in preterm infants on a relatively high protein intake does not increase linear growth but does produce increased weight gain. The biochemical results provide indirect evidence that this weight increase is the result of increased fat accretion.     

Protein and Energy Intake during Weaning: I. Effects on Growth

ABSTRACT. The growth and food consumption of 30 healthy infants from 4 to 6 months of age have been measured. Two groups were assigned randomly to either a formula with 1.9 g of protein and 72 kcal per 100 ml (F₁) or 2.7 g of protein and 69 kcal per 100 ml (F₂). A third group of infants were fed breast milk (0.96 g of protein and 65 kcal per 100 ml (HM). All infants received supplementary food according to the same regimen and were fed ad libitum. The mean protein intake was 1.3, 2.6 and 3.6 g/kg/day in the HM-, F₁- and F₂-groups respectively. The corresponding mean energy intake was 80, 101 and 94 kcal/kg/day. The formula-fed infants had significantly higher protein and energy intakes when compared to the breast-fed group. No significant differences were found in the rate of growth of crown-heel length, head circumference or in weight gain. The differences in protein intake between the breast- and formula-fed infants without differences in growth indicate that the formulas may provide a protein intake in excess to the needs.     

Selenium status of New Zealand infants fed either a selenium supplemented or a standard formula

Objective: New Zealand soils are deficient in the essential micronutrient, selenium. New Zealand infants have low selenium levels at birth and experience a further decline if fed cows milk based formula. This study examined the selenium status of infants fed with a new commercially available selenium supplemented formula.
Methodology Forty-four newborn infants, whose mothers wished to formula feed, were randomized in an open controlled trial to be fed a commercially available selenium supplemented cows milk formula (containing 17 μg Se/L) or an unsupplemented formula (containing 4.6 μg Se/L). Cord, 1 and 3 month blood samples were obtained for selenium status (plasma and red cell selenium and glutathione peroxidase) and thyroid function.
Results Mean plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase values were significantly higher in supplemented than unsupplemented infants at 1 month (unpaired t -tests; P <0.0001 and P = 0.001 respectively) and 3 months ( P <0.0001 and P = 0.0005). Analysis within treatment groups between time points (paired t -tests) showed that selenium supplementation prevented the fall in plasma selenium from birth to 1 month seen in unsupplemented infants and was associated with a rise in levels between 1 and 3 months ( P = 0.002).
Conclusions Supplementing cows milk formula with selenium to replicate the levels found in breast milk is nutritionally sound. Feeding from a few days of age with a formula containing 17 μg Se/L in infants with low selenium status at birth is sufficient to cause a rise to 80% of adult levels at 3 months of age.     

Postprandial plasma amino acids in preterm infants: influence of the protein source

Preprandial plasma amino acid concentrations have been used extensively as a marker of the nutritional value of dietary proteins in preterm infants. This study investigated the postprandial plasma amino acid profiles of preterm infants fed with different dietary proteins at similar protein intakes during the first weeks of life. In 12 preterm infants, pre- and postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations were measured before the removal of an indwelling central venous catheter placed for parenteral nutrition. All infants received breast milk until the time of study. At the start day of the study, infants were randomized to receive a test meal of 10 ml/kg, either of breast milk fortified with breast milk protein to reach a protein content of 2.0 g/dl or of a bovine milk preterm formula with a protein content of 2.0 g/dl (whey/casein ratio 60/40). Five samples of 100 microl blood were obtained immediately before and 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after the test meal. The plasma amino acid analysis was performed by a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography based on o-phthaldialdehyde/2-mercaptoethanol pre-column derivatization. In both groups, the plasma amino acid concentrations increased within the first 30 min and the levels did not return to the preprandial baseline during the observation period. Fifteen minutes after the test meal, the plasma levels of all essential amino acids with the exception of histidine were higher in the bovine milk formula fed infants than in the fortified breast milk fed infants. The sum of plasma essential amino acid levels found in the formula fed infants were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the levels found in the fortified breast milk fed infants at 15, 30 and 45 min. The kinetics of individual amino acids were influenced by the different quality of the protein even when the intakes in the groups were similar, as demonstrated for histidine and phenylalanine. The data indicate that postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations depend significantly on the dietary amino acid source and cannot simply be calculated from the amino acid composition of dietary proteins. Therefore, postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations should be included in the nutritional evaluation of dietary proteins in preterm infants.     

THE METABOLIC CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN MILK AND FORMULA FEEDING IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Abstract. Schultz, K., Soltész, G. and Mestyán, J. (Department of Paediatrics, University Medical School, Pécs, Hungary). The metabolic consequences of human milk and formula feeding in premature infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, 69: 647, 1980.—Twenty premature low-birthweight infants were divided into two groups and assigned randomly to either a pooled human milk or to a cow's milk based infant formula feeding regimen. The protein intake was 2.0 g/kg/day in the human milk fed group and 4.4 g/kg/day in the formula fed group of infants. The concentrations of different metabolites were estimated at weekly intervals, and plasma amino acid analysis was performed biweekly on blood samples in the two groups of infants during the four-week study period. Formula milk fed infants had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels and developed azotaemia, hyperaminoacidemia and metabolic acidosis in the early weeks of postnatal life. Blood lactate and plasma free fatty acid concentrations did not change significantly in the two groups during the study. No significant differences were found in the rate of weight gain between the two groups of infants, although formula fed infants regained their birthweight more slowly than human milk fed infants. High protein formula feeding causes potentially unfavorable metabolic and amino acid imbalances in preterm infants in the early postnatal life.     

Higher urinary excretion of essential amino acids in preterm infants fed protein hydrolysates

Aim: Protein hydrolysates have been introduced in preterm formulae, but it is not clear whether they are needed for the feeding of preterm infants. We designed a randomized, controlled trial to test the effects of a preterm formula with hydrolysed cow's milk proteins on short-term growth and urinary and plasma amino acids levels. Methods: Infants with a birthweight ≤1750 g and gestational age ≤34 wk fed a conventional preterm infant formula (formula B) or a hydrolysed formula (formula A). Weight was measured daily; length, head circumference, mid-arm circumference and total skinfold thickness were measured weekly. Blood and urine were analysed for amino acid concentrations at start, 14 and 28 d. Results: Twenty-one infants met the criteria for randomization. The daily feeding volumes were: formula A 172.8±5.6 vs formula B 170.1±2.8 ml/kg/d. Infants fed with formula A showed slower weight gain (17.4±3.4 vs 20.5±3.3 g/kg/d; p=0.045) and lower mean change in Z-scores for weight (-0.18±0.16 vs 0.00±0.09; p=0.009) and for head circumference (-0.06±0.13 vs 0.06±0.13; p=0.049). After 14 d, infants receiving formula A had statistically significant higher urinary levels of essential amino acids compared to infants receiving formula B.

Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis of less nutritional value of hydrolysed versus conventional preterm formulae. Higher renal excretion of essential amino acids may be one of the mechanisms involved. These findings must be confirmed by further studies with larger sample sizes and protein hydrolysates with different degrees of hydrolysis.     

Optimal protein and energy intakes in preterm infants

There is compelling evidence that current nutritional practice fails to provide sufficient dietary protein for preterm infants, especially extremely and very low birth weight infants. Nutrient requirements can be estimated by a variety of techniques, but most suggest that these infants will require a protein intake of 3.5-4.0 g/kg/d. Even when these infants are able to tolerate full enteral feeds, most currently available artificial milk formula or breast milk fortifiers will not ensure these protein requirements are met except when fed at high volumes. Energy requirements on the other hand may be currently met, and evidence from controlled studies suggests that intakes higher than 110-135 kcal/kg/d might not be beneficial. The data from studies on neonatal adiposity outcomes, and from studies examining relationship between early growth and later cardiovascular outcome, also suggest that excess nutrient intake might be harmful. In the light of this data, optimal intakes and protein-energy ratios require re-appraisal.     

深度水解蛋白配方奶对极低出生体质量儿喂养的影响

目的 探讨深度水解蛋白配方奶(HPF)开奶与标准早产儿配方奶(SPF)相比,是否能减少极低出生体质量儿(VLBWI)喂养不耐受,使VLBWI更早达到全肠道喂养,促进VLBWI的生长发育.方法 随机将2009年1-6月本院NICU收治的VLBWI 30例分为HPF组及 SPF组,2组均以20 mL·kg-1·d-1开奶,并在能耐受的情况下按此速度加奶.HPF组在日龄14 d结束HPF喂养,换等量的SPF喂养;SPF组持续以SPF喂养.观察2组患儿开奶前7 d胃潴留总次数、第7天餐前胃残留奶量(包括最大胃残留量、全天胃残留总量/全天预计喂奶量)、体质量增长速度、达完全肠道喂养时间、28 d时体格发育情况及是否合并坏死性小肠结肠炎(NEC).结果 与SPF组相比,HPF组开奶前7 d胃残留总次数[(15.5±2.9)次 vs(17.1±4.5次)]、第7天最大胃残留量[(0.9±1.0) mL vs (1.8±1.3) mL]、第7天全天胃残留量/全天预计奶量[(3.1±4.8)% vs (8.7±6.9)%]降低,胃排空改善,胃潴留量减少,达完全肠内喂养时间缩短[(12.7±4.2) d vs (16.6±4.8) d],平均每日体质量增长加快[(15.37±4.08) g·d-1 vs (11.02±3.49) g·d-1],差异均有统计学意义(Pa<0.05).2组患儿28 d时头围[(30.01±1.11) cm vs (29.05±1.20) cm]、身长[(42.85±1.62) cm vs (41.55±1.51) cm]、体质量[(1.792±0.213) kg vs (1.617±0.187) kg]比较,差异均有统计学意义(Pa<0.05).2组患儿NEC发病率有明显差异.结论 HPF能够促进胃排空,改善VLBWI的喂养不耐受,并使其更早达到完全肠道内喂养,从而促进VLBWI的生长发育,可将HPF用于VLBWI的开奶.     

Effects of formula protein level and ratio on infant growth, plasma amino acids and serum trace elements. I. Cow's milk formula

The optimum level and ratios of protein to be used in cow's milk formula has recently been under discussion. Healthy term infants were fed from birth exclusively human milk or a formula that varied in protein level or whey: casein ratio: (A) 1.4 g/dl; 55:45, (B) 1.5 g/dl; 55:45, (C) 1.3 g/dl; 55:45, (D) 1.4 g/dl; 60:40, (E) 1.4 g/dl; 20:80. Infants were followed for 12 weeks and blood samples were taken at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices did not show any significant differences among groups. Plasma amino acid and BUN levels of the C group were closest to the breast-fed group, while the formula with the highest protein level (B) resulted in high values for some amino acids. When comparing the formulas with 1.4 g protein/dl, the high casein group had the lowest plasma tryptophan levels. Taurine was added to all formulas at a level similar to that of breast milk; plasma taurine levels were similar for all groups. All formulas contained 0.7 mg iron and 0.7 mg zinc/dl; no differences were found among the groups in hematological indices or serum trace elements. These data show that feeding a formula with 1.3 g protein/dl and 55:45 whey: casein ratio from birth will result in growth and metabolic indices similar to those of breast-fed infants, although some plasma amino acid levels are not identical, 1990.     

Iron Availability from an Infant Formula Supplemented with Bovine Lactoferrin

ABSTRACT. Iron balance studies were performed in 16 term infants from their 3rd until their 17th week of life. The balance studies were performed at home and comprised five periods with an interval of 3 to 4 weeks, each consisting of three 24-hour collections of milk and stool samples. Seven infants were fed an adapted infant formula supplemented with bovine lactoferrin (100 mg/100 ml) and nine received the same formula without lactoferrin. The lactoferrin supplemented group received 169 μg iron/kg b.w. × day and retained 63 μg/kg b.w. × day. The mean iron intake of infants fed with the adapted formula without supplementation of lactoferrin was 118 μg/kg b.w. × day. The retention of iron was 43 μg/kg b.w. × day. Mean percentage retention of iron in the supplemented group was 36%, in the non-supplemented group 28%.     

Growth and biochemical response of premature infants fed pooled preterm milk or special formula

This study compared growth of a group of very low birth weight infants fed a formula specifically developed for such infants (Formula) with another group fed expressed breast milk (EBM). The Formula contained 2.4 g/dl of protein (lactalbumin:casein ratio, 60:40); 4.1 g/dl of fat (40% medium-chain triglycerides); 8.8 g/dl of carbohydrates; and 81 kcal/dl, with more calcium, phosphorus, and electrolytes than are in human milk. Premature babies with birth weights between 1,200 and 1,500 g and gestational age less than 36 weeks were eligible for the study and were fed either pooled EBM or Formula until they reached a weight of 1,800 g. Twenty infants fed EBM and 19 infants fed Formula completed the trial. Weight gain was faster in the Formula-fed infants after a caloric intake of 100 kcal/kg/day was achieved (Formula 27.7 g/day vs. EBM 17.2 g/day; p less than 0.001). Time to reach 1,800 g was 27 days for the Formula group and 39 days for those on EBM (p less than 0.001). Increments in head circumference and skinfold thickness were also greater in the Formula-fed group. Laboratory studies in the two groups of infants showed higher alkaline phosphatase levels, which were not due to vitamin D deficiency, in the EBM-fed infants.     

Plasma amino acid and protein concentrations in infants fed human milk or a whey protein hydrolysate formula during the first month of life

The aim of the study was to compare growth parameters, biochemical indices of protein metabolism and plasma amino acid concentrations in infants fed either human milk ( n = 12) or a whey protein hydrolysate formula ( n = 13) during the first month of life. Growth and gain in skin fold thickness were similar in both groups whereas serum protein concentration was significantly decreased (57.4 ± 3.9 versus 61.2 ± 2.9 g/l) in the infants fed the whey hydrolysate formula. The discrepancies between the plasma amino acid pattern of the whey hydrolysate formula group and that of the human milk group lessened during the first month. Nevertheless, at a mean age of 33 days the plasma threonine concentration remained twice as high and the plasma tyrosine, phenylalanine and proline concentrations were Significantly lower in the whey hydrolysate formula group than in the human milk group. Thus, compared with breast-fed infants, growth and most of the biological indices of protein metabolism were satisfactory in infants fed during the first month of life on a whey protein hydrolysate formula. Nevertheless, the decrease in total plasma protein concentration needs to be confirmed in a larger cohort of infants. In addition, further research is necessary to investigate the possible ways of reducing the hyperthreoninemia and preventing other plasma amino acid disturbances since it would be desirable to obtain plasma amino acid levels similar to those of breast-fed infants.     

Fatty acid balance studies in preterm infants fed formula milk containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) II

A milk formula (Prematil-LCP) containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) and with a fatty acid profile closely resembling breast milk has recently been introduced for preterm infants. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed comparing fatty acid absorption from Prematil-LCP (n = 10) and standard Prematil (n = 10). Formula-fed preterm infants underwent 3 d fat balances (once full enteral feeds were established) along with a parallel human milk fed group (n = 11). Plasma samples were taken on the last day. Median total fat excretion (absorption, %) was 2.34 g kg (82.0), 2.64 g kg (82.9) and 1.65 g kg (87.8) with Prematil, Prematil-LCP and human milk feeding, respectively. This reflected differences in the excretion and absorption of long-chain saturated fatty acids. All groups excreted detectable LCP. LCP disappearance was higher in infants fed human milk than in those fed Prematil-LCP, particularly for n -6 LCP (p <0:01). Nevertheless, excreted LCP equated to <30% dietary intake, with Prematil-LCP feeding. Plasma lipid fatty acid composition reflected differences in dietary LCP intake.