Effect of taurine on synthesis of neutral and acidic sterols and fat absorption in preterm and full-term infants.

The effect of dietary taurine on the synthesis of neutral and acidic sterols and fat absorption was investigated in 30 newborn children 2 wk after delivery. The infants were divided into five different groups (n = 6 each) according to their gestational age (GA) and weight for GA, and randomly assigned to receive normal formula or formula supplemented with taurine (479 mumol/L). Neutral sterols, acidic sterols, and fatty acids were determined in formulas and feces by gas-liquid chromatography. Only in preterm infants appropriate for GA and small for GA with a mean GA < 33 wk, did taurine supplementation result in lower cholesterol synthesis (-26 +/- 5% and -9 +/- 2%, respectively; P < 0.05) and higher bile acid excretion (100 +/- 35% and 150 +/- 68%, respectively; P < 0.05) and fatty acid absorption (20 +/- 8% and 8 +/- 3%, respectively; P < 0.05). On the basis of these results taurine supplementation is recommended in preterm as well as in small-for-GA neonates < 33 wks of GA who are not on human milk.