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Hydrolysed milk in preterm infants: an open problem
Antonio A Zuppa1, Federica Visintini, Francesco Cota
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. zuppaaa@rm.unicatt.it
Insights
Protein hydrolysate formulas (HF) show potential for preterm infant feeding but lack evidence for atopy prevention. Further research is needed on their nutritional adequacy and long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric gastroenterology
Background:
- Protein hydrolysate formulas (HF) are used in infant feeding.
- Their role in preterm newborns requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role, indications, and nutritional adequacy of HF in preterm infants.
- To assess the current evidence for HF in neonatal care.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Existing studies on protein hydrolysate formulas were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No data support the use of HF for preventing atopy in infants.
- HF may benefit early feeding in very-low-birthweight infants, but nutritional adequacy concerns remain.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to understand protein and mineral metabolism with HF.
- Long-term effects, including neurodevelopmental outcomes, require investigation.
Aim:
To review knowledge about the role, indications and nutritional adequacy of protein hydrolysate formulas (HF) in the preterm newborn.
Methods:
A review of the available literature was carried out.
Results:
No data support the use of HF for atopy prevention. HF could have a positive role in the early feeding of very-low-birthweight infants, but several concerns exist about their nutritional adequacy.
Conclusion:
Further investigations addressing protein and mineral metabolism as well as long-term effects, including neurodevelopment, are needed.
