Physicochemical analysis of pasteurized human milk and commercial premature formulas fortified with phosphorus solution or commercial fortifier

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine: the most appropriate proportion (1% or 10% v/v) of a phosphate solution (PS), containing 39mg/mL phosphorus, to be added to pasteurized human milk (HM) or commercial premature formula (FM); the final osmolality of such products, and whether precipitation occurs between calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) when commercial fortifier (FOR) or PS is added. A significant increase was observed in the concentrations of Ca in the samples of HM and FM containing FOR and a decrease in the samples of HM containing 10% (v/v) PS. The phosphorus levels increased significantly, in both HM and FM, when FOR or PS (1 and 10%) were added. Osmolality showed a significant increase in the solutions of HM with FOR or 10% PS added, and in the solution of FM containing 10% PS. Qualitative analysis of the precipitate formed on addition of 10% PS to FM revealed that it consisted of dicalcium phosphate. It was concluded that the addition of 10% PS to FM causes a fall in the Ca content, due to its precipitation with phosphate, promoting a reduction in the availability of both ions. On the other hand, the addition of 1% PS was demonstrated to cause no alteration in the Ca concentration, but a significant increase in P. These results suggest that the use of 1% PS is a potential means of supplementation of P after these patients are discharged.