BLOOD LEVELS OF CRITICAL AMINO ACIDS IN VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS ON A HIGH HUMAN MILK PROTEIN INTAKE

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Abstract
A method for a semi-industrial production of human milk subfractions (human milk protein and human milk fat isolates) is described. Four very low birthweight (VLBW) newborn were given a human milk protein isolate added to the mother's own fresh expressed milk in addition to sodium chloride up to 20 mEkv/liter. Growth followed the intrauterine growth curve. Urea levels did not increase in spite of providing a double-normal protein intake. There was no metabolic acidosis and the blood levels of free amino acids determined with a micro-method did not exceed those seen after a normal meal. The concentrated human milk protein product showed a considerable specific sIgA activity against E. coli 0-antigen. It seems possible to use similar "lacto-engineering"-techniques in order to satisfy the increased protein requirements of the VLBW infant, while providing the caloric requirements, without causing any visible disturbance of blood-homeostasis of urea, amino acids or base excess. The method could provide knowledge about the "human milk protein requirements" and a controlled study has been started.