Study of Metabolic Effects of Enteral DHA and ARA Supplementation in Preterm Infants Born Between 25 and 30 Weeks

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how giving preterm infants a special nutritional supplement containing DHA and ARA affects their bodys fat metabolism and important biological processes like inflammation and organ development. The study focuses on infants born between 25 07 and 29 67 weeks gestation, aiming to understand how these supplements influence metabolic pathways and related health factors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups receiving DHAARA supplement throughout the study, no supplement, supplement only until about 32 weeks postmenstrual age, or starting supplement after 32 weeks. The supplement dosage is 60 mgkgday of DHA and 120 mgkgday of ARA, given either through an enteral tube or oral syringe. The study period runs from enrollment within 48 hours of birth until 36 weeks postmenstrual age. During the study, infants will have blood samples taken to measure fatty acid levels and specific biomarkers related to inflammation and metabolism. Mothers who breastfeed will provide milk samples, and their medical history and demographic data will be collected. Researchers will monitor infant weight changes and safety throughout the study, which continues until the infant reaches 36 weeks postmenstrual age.

Metabolic Mechanisms Induced by Enteral DHA and ARA Supplementation in Preterm Infants