Evidence-based nutrition for the very preterm infant in 2024
2024
Nutrition for Very Preterm Infants in 2024
Sample size: 4062
Editorial
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Taylor Sarah N.
Primary Institution: Yale University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the optimal nutrition for very preterm infants?
Conclusion
The study suggests that exclusive human milk feeding may lead to nutritional inadequacies compared to mixed or exclusive formula feeding.
Supporting Evidence
- Exclusive human milk feeding may not provide enough protein for optimal growth.
- Infants fed human milk fortifier showed higher growth gains than those fed unfortified human milk.
- Regular growth assessments in NICUs relate to better growth rates.
Takeaway
Very preterm babies need special food to grow well, and just drinking breast milk might not be enough.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the Vermont Oxford Network on very preterm infants' feeding types and their growth outcomes.
Limitations
Growth was only measured at birth and discharge, limiting insights into nutrition and growth in between.
Participant Demographics
Data from 12 Brazilian Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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