Enhanced calcium and magncsium absorption in premature in fants by feeding formulas containing medium chain triglyceride (MCT)

Abstract

Thirty-four premature infants were divided into three groups of comparable weight and fed three formulas differing only in fat composition. Group 1 (control) corn oil, oleo, and coconut oil (39:41:20); Group 2: MCT, corn oil, and coconut oil (40: 40:20); Group 3: MCT and corn oil (80:20). Formula feeding was begun within 1 week after birth and continued throughout hospital stay. In all groups two 5-day stool collections were made early and late during the study and analyzed for fat, Ca and Mg. Man absorption values ± SE for the three groups of infants are:In the MCT groups Ca absorption was significantly increased when compared with control (p < .001). The 80% MCT group absorbed more Ca than the 40% MCT group (p < .01). When the 80% MCT group was compared with the 40% MCT and control groups, significantly higher Mg absorption was observed (p < .005). There was a positive correlation between improvement in fat absorption and both Ca and Mg absorption. The results indicate that calcium and magnesium absorption can be improved in premature infants by administration of MCT-containing formulas.