Shulman RJ, Wong WW, Smith EO. Influence of changes in lactase activity and small-intestinal mucosal growth on lactose digestion and absorption in preterm infants.
Am J Clin Nutr 2005;
81:472-9. [PMID:
15699237 DOI:
10.1093/ajcn.81.2.472]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Feeding intolerance (ie, achieving and maintaining full enteral feedings) is a significant problem in preterm infants. A relation exists between feeding intolerance and incomplete lactose digestion.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to identify the factors relating to lactose digestion and absorption, lactase activity, and small-intestinal mucosal growth.
DESIGN
Lactose digestion and absorption, lactase-specific activity, and lumen-to-mucosa water flux as a measure of small-intestinal mucosal surface area were determined by using the triple-lumen perfusion technique on 2 occasions 3 wk apart in 10 preterm infants (x+/-SEM gestational age: 28.0+/-0.2 wk).
RESULTS
Lactose digestion and absorption and lactase activity doubled between studies (P=0.035 and P=0.041, respectively). The change in digestion and absorption was related to lactase activity (P=0.034, R2=0.38). Lactase activity correlated with gestational age at birth (P=0.012, R2=0.51). The number of days of feeding explained 80% of the variability in small-intestinal mucosal surface area (P=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure directly lactose digestion and absorption, lactase activity, and small-intestinal surface area in preterm infants. Changes in lactose absorption relate primarily to lactase activity rather than to mucosal growth. We showed directly a relation between enteral feeding and small-intestinal mucosal growth.
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