Revista CEFAC ()

Study on viscosity modification of human and formula milk for infants with dysphagia

  • Mariangela Bartha de Mattos Almeida,
  • Saint Clair Gomes Júnior,
  • Jonas Borges da Silva,
  • Danielle Aparecida da Silva,
  • Maria Elisabeth Lopes Moreira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620171956017
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 5
pp. 683 – 689

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the modification of the viscosity of human milk and infant formula. Methods: three studies were performed to assess the viscosity and effect of time on infant formula with a thickener, at concentrations of 2, 3, and 5%, as well as raw and pasteurized human milk at concentrations of 2, 3, 5, and 7% at 37ºC, for 60 minutes. Rice cereal was used as a thickening agent. The viscosity was evaluated using a Ford Cup-type viscometer, and the samples were analyzed at 20-minute intervals. Significant differences were assessed using the ANOVA test. Results: no significant differences in viscosity were observed over time in concentrations of 2, 3, and 5%. There was a difference in the viscosity between human milk and infant formula, in concentrations of 2% and 5%, 2% and 7%, 3% and 5%, and 3% and 7%, independently of the time intervals evaluated. Conclusion: the findings of this study demonstrate the need for different concentrations of the thickening agent for human milk and infant formula. Rice cereal is a suitable therapeutic option for newborns presented with dysphagia in concentrations of 2, 3, 5, and 7%, due to its effect on the viscosity and flow reduction, provided that the feeding time is considered.

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