Method of reducing the risk of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of reducing the risk or severity of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. The method comprises (a) measuring skin carotenoid levels in preterm infants, preferably by Raman Spectroscopy, and then (b) administering supplemental carotenoids to those infants in need thereof, wherein the supplemental carotenoids comprise lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. The supplemental carotenoids may be provided by an infant formula comprising, on a ready-to-feed basis, from about 100 to about 2000 mcg / liter of total carotenoids, wherein the total carotenoids include at least about 50 mcg / liter of lutein. The formulas may further comprise docosahexaenoic acid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 584,704, filed Oct. 20, 2006, which makes reference to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 730,283 filed Oct. 26, 2005.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to infant formulas and methods for using those formulas to promote retinal health and vision development in infants, including reducing the severity or risk of retinopathy of prematurity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Infant formulas are commonly used today to provide supplemental or sole source nutrition early in life. These formulas contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They are commercially available as powders, ready-to-feed liquids, and liquid concentrates. [0004] Although many infant formulas provide a quality alternative to human milk, they still do not provide the same high level of nutrition as found in human mil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] A first embodiment is a method of reducing the risk or severity of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. The method comprises (a) measuring skin carotenoid levels in preterm infants, preferably by Raman Spectroscopy, and then (b) administering supplemental carotenoids to those infants in need thereof, wherein the supplemental carotenoids comprise lutein, lycopene, beta arotene, and zeaxanthin. The supplemental carotenoids may be provided by an infant formula comprising, on a ready-to-feed basis, from about 100 to about 2000 mcg / liter of total carotenoids, wherein the total carotenoids include at least about 50 mcg / liter of lutein.

[0013] It has been found that the severity or risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is influenced by skin carotenoid levels found in preterm infants fed human milk. This finding suggests that skin carotenoid levels may be monitored in preterm infants, and then administered to those infants in need thereof to reduce the risk or severity of retinopathy of prematurity.

[0014] It has been found that infant formulas may be prepared with lutein concentrations of at least 50 mcg / liter if they are to produce the same plasma lutein concentrations found in breast fed infants, even though human milk itself typically contains no more than about 30 mcg / liter of lutein. It has also been found, consequently, that the weight ratio of lutein (mcg) to DHA (mg) in an infant formula may range from about 1:2 to about 10:1. It is believed that the combination of lutein and docosahexaenoic acid are particularly useful in promoting retinal health and vision development in infants, provided that sufficient quantities of each are designed into the infant formula as described herein.

Problems solved by technology

Although many infant formulas provide a quality alternative to human milk, they still do not provide the same high level of nutrition as found in human milk As such, much of the research effort into infant formulas over the past several years has been directed to better understanding the natural constituents of human milk, and then modifying infant formulas accordingly, or at least to the extent possible with currently available technology.

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