[Influence of nutrition on the cellular defence mechanism (phagocytosis) of preterm and underweight babies during the first six weeks of life (author's transl)].

The phagocytic and NBT reduction indices of 94 preterm and underweight babies, divided into 7 groups and two weight classes, were observed over a period of six weeks while they were observed over a period of six weeks while they were given four commercial baby foods (Humana 0, Meb, Multival, Pomil). In all groups the mean values of both parameters were always within the standard range with only slight differences. In all test subjects, phagocytic activity decreased continuously during the first five weeks, and NBT reducing capacity during the first six weeks. Correlations could not be established between phagocytic or NBT reduction rate and birth weight or gestational age. As compared with the other groups there was a distinct lowering of the phagocytic indices in both Meb groups, which we think is nutrition-dependent and can be interpreted as the result of interaction between nutrition and immunological parameters.