Intravenous amino acids supplementation to prevent neurodisability in preterm infants
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 14th, 2022
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Amino acids are essential for the process of neurodevelopment, and a daily dose of 3-4 g is recommended. Because the brains of preterm children are underdeveloped, it is possible that a higher than average dosage is required. Prior observational studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between protein intake and the level of neurodevelopment; however, the appropriate dosage for preterm infants is not known. A study conducted by the ProVIDe research group had reported on the effect of amino acids supplementation on neurodevelopment.
The randomized controlled trial included 432 preterm infants, with an extremely low birth weight (< 1,000 g), that was divided into an intervention and a control group. The former was given a transfusion of supplement containing 1 g of amino acids through an umbilical artery catheter; a placebo that does not contain amino acids was given to children in the control group. The therapy was administered within 24 hours of birth and continued for 5 days. The study reported that the rate of neurodisability is similar between the intervention and control groups; however, the rate of moderate-to-severe neurodisability is slightly higher in those who received the extra 1 g of amino acids. Children in the amino acids supplement group experience a higher rate of moderate-to-severe cognitive delay, and they experience more problems in language development. Thus, the authors conclude that supplementation with 1 g of amino acids does not help protect preterm infants from developing neurodevelopmental problems.
The randomized controlled trial included 432 preterm infants, with an extremely low birth weight (< 1,000 g), that was divided into an intervention and a control group. The former was given a transfusion of supplement containing 1 g of amino acids through an umbilical artery catheter; a placebo that does not contain amino acids was given to children in the control group. The therapy was administered within 24 hours of birth and continued for 5 days. The study reported that the rate of neurodisability is similar between the intervention and control groups; however, the rate of moderate-to-severe neurodisability is slightly higher in those who received the extra 1 g of amino acids. Children in the amino acids supplement group experience a higher rate of moderate-to-severe cognitive delay, and they experience more problems in language development. Thus, the authors conclude that supplementation with 1 g of amino acids does not help protect preterm infants from developing neurodevelopmental problems.