Effect of Smell and Taste of Milk on Feeding Parameters in Preterm Neonates: An Updated Meta-Analysis

2024

Effect of Smell and Taste of Milk on Feeding in Preterm Infants

Sample size: 1638 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Alenezi Sarah, Aldaihani Manal, Alqabandi Sabah, Alkandari Ahmad A, Almukaimi Bader A, Almutairi Latifah, Abualqassim Mohamed, Kanaan Ziad A, Ameen Manaal H, Farahat Yara H, Abu-Zaid Ahmed

Primary Institution: Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations

Hypothesis

This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of smell and taste interventions on clinical outcomes in preterm infants.

Conclusion

Smell and taste interventions significantly reduced the time to reach oral feeds in preterm infants.

Supporting Evidence

Smell and taste interventions significantly reduced the time needed to reach oral feeds.
The mean gestational age of the included infants ranged from 26.9 to 34.1 weeks.
Subgroup analyses showed consistent results across different birth weights and sample sizes.
Six RCTs were rated as low risk of bias, while six had some concerns regarding bias.
Funnel plots were used to assess for publication bias.

Takeaway

This study found that letting preterm babies smell and taste milk can help them start eating on their own faster.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of smell and taste on clinical outcomes in preterm infants.