randomized controlled clinical trial of olive oil added to human breast milk for weight gaining in very low birth weight infants

ABSTRACT

Evaluating the effect of vegetable oil, as a supplement to breast milk in increase the weight gaining of VLBW neonates. In this single blind; Randomized clinical trials, in NICU of Vali-asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2005-2006;A total of 48 VLBW neonates referred and admitted to NICU, who did not have any major GI [especially NEC], respiratory or cardiac diseases; participated randomly in two groups intervention and control.Vegetable oil was added to the milk of 25 neonates [0.5 cc per 30cc of milk] and the other 25neonates with similar conditions that were selected as a control group, did not get any type of supplementary nutrition. Daily feeding volume in both groups was 150-200 cc for each kilogram of body weight. Weight gaining in interventional groups was considerably more than control group. [p<0.04].There were also significant statistical differences in hospitalization period between the two groups, 28.9 days in interventional and 20.33 days in control group, [p<0.03].However, no significant side effects were observed. There is no report regarding contraindication linking the use of vegetable oil intended for appropriate weight gaining or reducing hospitalization period to neonatal chronic diseases