189 HEAVY METALS (Pb.Cd.Ni) CONCENTRATION IN THE HAIR OF MOTHERS OF PRETERM AND SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE (SGA) INFANTS

Abstract

In linerature, there are discrepancies about nument and energy metabolism in SGA premature infants ; that could be related to differences in type of inhauterine growth retardation. This study compares results of anthropometric data, 3-day nutritional balance and indirect calorimetry measurements performed in 8 AGA and 8 symmemcally growth retardated infants, at the same post-natal age. Infants were fed pooled HM protein and energy supplemented (HM fortifier : EoprotinB, Milupa). Volume of milk intake, amounts of nitrogen and energy intake were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in protein and energy absorption, but SGA infants tended to present a better fat absorption, likely because they were 3 weeks older. Weight gain and it's composition were similar in both groups, with approximately 20% of fat (non-protein energy deposition). In conclusion, there was no significant difference in response to diet between AGA and SGA VLBW infants. Nutritional needs seem to be similar in AGA and SGA infants, as long as growth retardation is symmehical. This may be different when asymmehically growth retardated infants are concerned. Birth