COMPARISON OF GROWTH, SERUM PREALBUMIN, TRANSFERRIN, IGG AND AMINO-ACIDS OF TERM INFANTS FED BREAST-MILK OR FORMULA

This study was designed to compare growth parameters, biochemical indi ces of protein metabolism and serum amino acid patterns in newborn inf ants fed either human milk (n: 22) or formula with protein and amino a cid concentrations similar to human milk (n: 19) during the first two months of life. Growth parameters were normal and similar In all infan ts. Serum levels of transferrin and IgG were not significantly differe nt, whereas prealbumin concentrations were found to be significantly h igher in infants fed formula compared to those fed human milk. In the formula group, glutamic acid and cystine levels were significantly low er while phenylalanine and proline were significantly higher compared to the breastfed group. It was observed that feeding a formula with an amino acid pattern similiar to that of human milk does not necessaril y give rise to identical patterns of amino acids or indices of protein metabolism.