Randomized trial of high nutrient density formula versus standard formula in chronic lung disease

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that the nutrient intake and growth of infants with chronic lung disease would be improved by providing nutrients in more concentrated form, and that the lower volume would improve respiratory status, 60 preterm infants requiring supplemental oxygen at 28 days of age were randomly assigned a low-density (24 kcal/oz) formula fed at 180 ml/kg/day, or a high-density (30 kcal/oz) formula at 145 ml/kg/day. There was no difference in growth, respiratory outcome, oedema or diuretic requirement between dietary groups. Infants fed the high nutrient density formula had significantly greater total energy (143 vs 134 kcal/kg/day) and protein (3.9 vs 3.6 g/kg/day) intakes, largely because the low-density formula group did not achieve the designated 180 ml/kg/day. In conclusion, use of a high-density formula in infants with chronic lung disease did not improve growth or respiratory outcome, despite a small increase in total energy and protein intake.