70 METABOLIC BALANCE STUDIES IN LBW INFANTS FED FOUR DIFFERENT FORMULAS. I) FAT ABSORPTION

Top of pageAbstract Three formulas currently available in Argentina (Vital Infantil, Nan and S26) and an experimental one were evaluated for the absorption of their main nutrients in LBW infants (weigthat the time of balance studies X: 2244±986g., ranging from 1015 to 6040g.) during 72 hs. metabolic balance periods. Fat in “Vital inf.” is 60% butterfat and 40% cottonseed oil, in “Nan” is 80% but terfat and 20% corn oil, in S26 is a blend of MCT 40%, corn oil 40%, coconut oil 20%. Only “S26” differed statistically from “3242” (p<0.05). A wide variability in absorption coefficients was observed, ranging from 62.5 to 95, except with the formula 3242 which were more uniform. No correlation was clearly found between fat fecal looses and postnatal age. In some cases such steathorrhea can represent fecal looses of about 12% el energy intake. Manipulation of food fat could be recommended in those babies where important fecal looses are suspected.