Diet Profile and Metabolic Parameters from Birth to 6 Months among Fullterm and Preterm Infants Diet and Metabolic Changes among Infants - Abstract
Background: Phenotype expression in adulthood is closely related to lifestyle, particularly eating habits in early childhood. In addition, children born prematurely are subject to metabolic complications that lead the early onset of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Aim: To correlate the dietary profile of premature and term infants and theirrelationship with plasma biochemical parameters from birth to six months of life.
Method: It is a secondary data analysis study, based on the variables collected at birth (T0) and the 6-month follow-up (T1) of term infants (n=73) and premature infants (n=39).
Analyzed variables: Weight, type of food intake, adequacy of birth weight, gestational age and, biochemical tests (triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin). The study sample consisted of premature and term infants, classified about birth weight and gestational age.
Results: Glucose and triglyceride values between the two evaluated groups were influenced only by the gestational age (p<0.01). Premature infants have higher triglycerides concentration (T0–T1=57.97 ± 87.65) then the term ones (T0-T1==7.97 ± 68.66). Predictors regarding the adequacy of birth weight and dietary types did not influence glucose and triglyceride variation. However, the baby’s diet based on vegetables (p=0.047), and born prematurely (p<0.01), exerted influence on the variation of insulin and cholesterol in the evaluated period.
Implication for practice: The intake of vegetable soup showed an increase in insulin and cholesterol concentrations, regardless of a preterm or term birth. Preterm infants are more vulnerable to lipid changes at six months when compared to term babies.