Osmolality analysis of human milk and an infant formula with modified viscosity for use in infants with dysphagia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the effects of a thickening agent on the osmolality of human milk and on an infant formula, with respect to concentration and time. Methods: six trials were performed to evaluate the osmolality of a natural and thickened infant formula, raw human milk, and pasteurized human milk. Rice cereal was used as a thickening agent (at concentrations of 2%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). Osmolality was measured using the Advanced Micro Osmometer Model 3300 after sample preparation periods of 0-60 minutes. Statistical evaluations were performed using ANOVA. Results: pasteurized human milk exhibited time- and concentration-dependent variation in osmolality. The osmolality of raw human milk differed among time points and between the samples with 5% and 7%, when compared to the non-thickened milk. The infant formula did not show differences in osmolality with respect to time. At time zero, there were differences in osmolality between the infant formula samples with 2%, 3%, and 5% thickener. At other time points, there were differences in osmolality between the sample with a 5% thickener and the non-thickened formula. Conclusion: the osmolality of diets varied over time and according to the concentration of thickener in human milk and the infant formula. However, the observed variation remained within the recommended parameters, indicating that rice cereal is a safe thickener for the feeding of infants presented with mild or moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia.