28 TIC EFFECT OF MDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDE (ICT) DIET ON PLASMA LIPID LEVELS OF THE PREMATURE INFANT

Abstract

The fatty acids of MCT are not deposited to any appreciable extent in fat stores and MCT diets diminish fat accretion in animals and probably in obese humans. No data are available in the newborn infant. Plasma levels of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol esters (ChE), free cholesterol (FGh), total cholesterol (TCh), phospholipids (PL), free fatty acids (FFA) and total lipids (TL), were measured weekly from the 2nd to the 5th week of postnatal age in two groups of premature AGA infants fed either own mother's milk (OMM) or mediun chain triglyceride formula (MCTF). Energy and macronutrient (protein, fat, and CHO) balances and anthropometry ware performed simultaneously. OMM (n=16) group and MCIF (n=20) group were comparable for birthweight: 1541 ± 55 vs. 1451 ± 41, grams and gestational age: 30.7 ± 0.4.VS. 30.9 ± 0.3, weeks (M ± SE). Results: MCTF fed group showed significantly greater weight gain and significantly diminished skinfold thickness. Fluid and energy intakes and metabolizable energy were comparable in the two groups. Metabolizable CHO was higher in MCTF in Week 4 and metabolizable fat was higher in OMM in week 3, but otherwise there were no significant differences. Metabolizable protein intake was lower in the OMM group after the 4th week. Plasma lipid content was lower in MCTF in Week 3 and 4. The reduction of plasma triglycerides contributed mast significantly to the lipid lowering effect of MCT diet (see table below). Conclusions: 1) the main effect of the MCT diet is the reduction of the plasma triglycerides either by decreasing the synthesis of chylomicrons and/or the very low density lipoproteins in the liver and/or the small intestine. 2) the long-term consequences of this dietary change on the development of the prenabre infant and its impact on the lipid metabolism later in life deserves serious consideration