Dietary supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides reduces candida gastrointestinal colonization in preterm infants

Amanda B. Arsenault, Kearney T.W. Gunsalus, Sonia S. Laforce-Nesbitt, Lynn Przystac, Erik J. Deangelis, Michaela E. Hurley, Ethan S. Vorel, Richard Tucker, Nirupa R. Matthan, Alice H. Lichtenstein, Carol A. Kumamoto, Joseph M. Bliss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Candida is an important cause of infections in premature infants. Gastrointestinal colonization with Candida is a common site of entry for disseminated disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether a dietary supplement of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) reduces Candida colonization in preterm infants. Methods: Preterm infants with Candida colonization (n = 12) receiving enteral feedings of either infant formula (n = 5) or breast milk (n = 7) were randomized to MCT supplementation (n = 8) or no supplementation (n = 4). Daily stool samples were collected to determine fungal burden during a 3-week study period. Infants in the MCT group received supplementation during 1 week of the study period. The primary outcome was fungal burden during the supplementation period as compared with the periods before and after supplementation. Results: Supplementation of MCT led to a marked increase in MCT intake relative to unsupplemented breast milk or formula as measured by capric acid content. In the treatment group, there was a significant reduction in fungal burden during the supplementation period as compared with the period before supplementation (rate ratio, 0.15; P = 0.02), with a significant increase after supplementation was stopped (rate ratio, 61; P < 0.001). Fungal burden in the control group did not show similar changes. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with MCT may be an effective method to reduce Candida colonization in preterm infants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)164-168
Number of pages5
JournalPediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Volume38
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Candida
  • Medium-chain triglycerides
  • Neonate
  • Prematurity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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