Measurement of bone mineral density by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in preterm infants fed human milk or formula.

UNLABELLED

Bone mineralization of healthy preterm infants fed human milk were compared with that of similar fed preterm formula. Bone mineralization was studied by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 43 preterm infants divided into two groups; 21 preterm infants were fed with maternal breast milk and 22 preterm infants with a preterm formula containing 70 mg calcium and 35 mg phosphorus per decilitre.

CONCLUSION

Preterm infants fed breast milk had lower bone mineral density than the preterm formula-fed group. Fortifying preterm human milk with calcium and phosphorus will improve bone mineralization in preterm infants.