Metabolic Effects of Choline and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Preterm Infants

To explore the effects of enteral choline and DHA supplementation on plasma choline and DHA-PC concentrations and metabolism, this randomized controlled study will assign 40 preterm infants to 1 of 4 groups: standard care, choline supplementation, DHA supplementation, and choline and DHA supplementation. After 7 days of supplementation, a single dose of stable isotope labelled choline will be administered and the kinetics of newly synthesized DHA-PC determined to assess plasma levels, uptake and distribution of choline and DHA. This study is designed to inform larger studies evaluating this approach of enteral co-application of choline and DHA on clinical important outcomes.