[Maltodextrin in a 13% solution as a supplement in the first 4 days of life in breast-fed mature newborn infants. Effect on drinking behavior, weight curve, blood picture, blood glucose and bilirubin].

200 mature healthy newborn infants (birthweight 3382 +/- 377 g) were randomly divided into 2 groups of 100 each: all were breast fed according to the guidelines recommended by 'La Leche League'. If possible breast feeding was commenced in the delivery room. When breast feeds did not suffice infants of group A were supplemented ad libitum with a fully adapted formula (67 kcal/dl), those of group B with a 13% maltodextrine solution (52 kcal, 160 mOsm/l). Total fluid intake was similar in both groups. Group A took less supplementary feeds on day 2, the caloric uptake, however, was not different from that of group B. On day 4 group A had a somewhat higher caloric uptake due to supplementation, whereas group B needed less supplementation but had a higher intake of breast milk. On day 5 all babies were entirely breast fed. No supplementation was handed over to the mothers for at home use. The frequency of breast meals and supplementary meals was almost equal for both groups, as were sucking activity, appetite and degree of saturation. 18.6% of the infants in both groups had no need for any supplementary feeding at all. Temperature, stools, weight loss, blood glucose and bilirubin (taken on day 4 simultaneously with the Guthrie test) were almost identical. The red blood cell count showed slightly higher values in group A. Supplementation with fully adapted formula was not advantageous over supplementation with 13% maltodextrine solution. The latter was, indeed, tolerated well in all cases and satisfied all infants who remained hungry after being breast fed; additional early exposure to cow-milk protein was, thus, avoided in all these cases.