Lactose-free, medium-chain triglyceride formulas in severe malnutrition.

A lactose-fre3, medium-chain triglyceride (MCD)-caein formula (Lactose-Free Portagen) was used with success inthe management of four children with kwashiorkor and three infants with persistent hypoalbuminemia, two of whom had associated Infec­ tons. Asecond formula (Pregestimil), based on acasein hydrolysate and MCTs, witi' iextrose as the major carbohydrate, was used successfully Infive infants with severe marasmus, one with kwashiorkor, and five with marasmus, severe diarrhea, and infection, The absence of lactose was of definite benefit, as was probably the MCT content. It is probable that the dextrose was of benefit to some of the sickest infants but this was not proved n these studies.