Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of elevated energy intake with medium-chain
triglyceride (MCT) oil or formula powder on growth velocity and weight z-score in
very low birth weight infants receiving human milk and human milk fortifier.
Study Design This was a cohort study of infants exposed to MCT oil or formula powder for at least
7 days. Mean 7-day change in growth velocity and weight z-scores were compared pre-
and postintervention.
Results Forty-three infants received increased energy with either MCT oil or formula powder.
Infants receiving MCT oil were more preterm and had a lower birth weight. When evaluating
7-day changes pre- and postintervention, growth velocity increased from 10.0 g/kg/day
to 19.8 g/kg/day, and change in weight Z-score increased from –0.24 to 0.05.
Conclusion This clinical approach using MCT oil or formula powder for additional energy was
associated with improved, at least short-term, growth velocity and weight z-score
trajectory.
Keywords
preterm infant - human milk - growth - fortifier - medium-chain triglyceride oil -
formula
