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Feeding behavior in neonates whose diet contained medium-chain triacylglycerols: short-term effects on thermoregulation and sleep^1,2,3

¹ From the Unité de Recherches sur l’Environement Toxique Périnatal–Adaptations Physiologiques et Comportementales (EA 2088), Faculté de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (FT, VB, KC, J-PL), and the Service de Néonatologie-Pédiatrie II, CHU-Amiens Nord (AL), Amiens, France.

Background: Feeding formulas for premature infants often contain medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs). However, previous studies in animals and adults showed that MCTs may decrease food intake.

Objectives: The objectives were to determine in hospitalized premature infants whether food intake is modified by dietary MCT supply and to assess the effects on thermoregulation and sleep, which are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and in the optimal physiologic development of the neonates.

Design: Food intake, body mass, and nutritional efficiency during 3 consecutive days were compared in 2 groups of neonates according to the fat composition of their feeding formula [MCT group: 37% MCT, 63% long-chain triacylglycerols (LCTs); LCT group: 100% LCT]. On the third day, sleep and metabolic rate were recorded in the morning during an interval between meals.

Results: Regardless of day, energy intake was greater in the MCT group than in the LCT group ( difference: 67.3 kJ·kg^-1·d^-1; P = 0.007). Metabolic rate (1.8 mL·min^-1·kg^-1; P < 0.001), cheek skin temperature (0.31°C; P = 0.04), and total sleep time (52 min; P = 0.01) were also higher in the MCT group.

Conclusion: The ratio of MCTs to LCTs in neonates’ feeding formulas can modify physiologic functions involved in energy-balance regulation.

Key Words: Feeding behavior • medium-chain triacylglycerols • neonate • thermoregulation • sleep