Plasma mineral concentrations in preterm infants fed a nutrient-enriched formula after hospital discharge.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether prolonged feeding of preterm infant formula to preterm infants can accelerate recovery to normal plasma zinc levels without affecting plasma mineral homeostasis.

DESIGN

Part of concurrent prospective feeding trials in a university hospital-based population.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTION

Preterm infants (n = 33; birth weight, 1037 +/- 157 gm) were fed a preterm infant formula with higher concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and potassium until 2 months past expected term, then a term infant formula. Term infants (n = 38; birth weight, 3318 +/- 401 gm) fed this term infant formula from birth were a reference group for comparison with study infants and with published values. Plasma mineral levels were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Preterm infants fed a preterm infant formula after discharge from the hospital appeared to achieve normal plasma zinc concentrations by at least 2 months past term without adverse effects on mineral homeostasis.