Bone mineralization outcomes in human milk-fed preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Preterm infants often experience impaired bone mineralization.
• Optimizing nutrition, including calcium and phosphorus, is crucial for bone health in preterm infants.
• Human milk fortification is a strategy to meet nutrient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate bone mineralization in preterm infants at 2 years of age.
• To compare bone mineral content (BMC) between infants fed human milk (HM) and cow milk-based formula (F) after hospital discharge.
• To assess the long-term impact of post-hospitalization feeding on bone development.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of preterm infants was studied from birth.
• Infants received fortified human milk (Ca, P) in the hospital.
• Post-discharge feeding groups: HM (human milk ≥2 months) and F (formula introduction).
• Mid-radius bone mineral content (BMC) was measured using single photon absorptiometry at 2 years.
• Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, bone width) were recorded.

Main Results:

• At 2 years, no significant difference in mid-radius BMC was found between the HM and F groups (180 ± 30 mg/cm).
• Previously observed differences in BMC at earlier time points (16, 25, 52 weeks) favoring the formula group diminished by 2 years.
• The 2-year cohort included healthy infants with similar birth characteristics and anthropometric measures.

Conclusions:

• Preterm infants fed fortified human milk in the hospital demonstrate catch-up bone mineralization by 2 years of age.
• Continued human milk feeding after hospital discharge supports bone development comparable to formula feeding.
• Adequate calcium and phosphorus fortification of human milk is essential for achieving optimal bone mineralization in preterm infants.