Use of energy-dense formula for treating infants with non-organic failure to thrive

Objective: To evaluate if simply increasing the energy density of the formula will lead to increased energy intake and weight gain in infants with non-organic failure to thrive. Design: In this hospital-based trial, 15 infants (mean age, 7.6 ± 1.4 months) with non-organic failure to thrive were fed a regular strength formula (2.8 kJ/ml) for 3 days and then switched to the same formula with a higher energy density (4.18 kj/ml) for 3 days after a 2 day 'wash-out' period. Daily nude weights and energy intakes were recorded for the two 3 day periods. Results: During feeding with the higher density formula, nine (60%) infants had a significant increase in their energy intake and weight gain (both P < 0.02); four (27%) showed no change in energy intake and self-regulated their intake by decreasing the volume of feeds consumed to maintain energy intake; and two (13%) infants consumed a significantly reduced amount of energy (P < 0.02). Conclusion: Increasing the energy density of the formula may provide a useful intervention to increase the weight gain and energy intake of most infants with non-organic failure to thrive.