PEDIATRICS · 1978 · 97 citations · 0 references
AgricultureNutritionNutritional SciencesHuman NutritionInfant FeedingPediatric NutritionCalcium NutritionEarly-life NutritionInfant NutritionMicronutrient RequirementsNeonatal NutritionNutrition In PrematurityCalcium Absorption In InfancyControl Group DesignIntestinal Magnesium AbsorptionLipid Effects On Calcium AbsorptionMatched Control GroupMedium-chain Triglyceride DietMedium-chain Triglyceride EmulsionsMicronutrient Absorption In Children
The effect of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on the absorption of calcium and magnesium in premature infants was studied in 34 infants with birth weights lower than 2,000 gm. The infants were divided into three groups and fed three formulas similar in nutrient content except for the type of fat, as follows: 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). The infants fed MCT-containing formulas absorbed significantly more calcium than the control group. Magnesium absorption was significantly increased in the 80% MCT group.