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Am J Perinatol 1987; 4(1): 5-7
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999727
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1987 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Neonatal Nutrition

Absence of Inhibition of Lipogenesis and of Laxative EffectElisabeth B. Dutton, Donna L. West, Yves W. Brans
  • Perinatal Research Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Eighteen neonates ranging in birthweight from 820 to 1570 gm and in gestational age from 29 to 35 weeks were assigned alternately and blindly to feedings with formulas containing 14 or 50% of their fat as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). Mean daily intakes of formula and mean daily weight gains were similar in neonates in the two groups. Consistency of stools and mean weekly increments in skinfold thickness were not affected by the MCT content of the formula. This suggests that under ordinary clinical conditions, medium-chain triglycerides exert no laxative effect nor affect adversely the deposition of subcutaneous fat in very low-birthweight neonates.