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Postdischarge nutrition of preterm infants: more questions than answers

Richard J Cooke1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, 853 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. rcooke@utmem.edu

Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series. Paediatric Programme
|January 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants experience growth issues post-discharge. Nutrient-enriched formulas and supplementation may improve growth, but further research on duration and complementary feeding is needed for optimal infant nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Postnatal growth retardation is common in preterm infants, worsening with immaturity.
  • Standard term formulas are inadequate for preterm infants' rapid growth needs post-discharge.
  • Breastfed preterm infants show poorer growth than formula-fed counterparts, highlighting a potential need for supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the nutritional support needs of preterm infants after hospital discharge.
  • To investigate the optimal composition and duration of postdischarge formulas.
  • To explore the role of nutrient supplementation for breastfed preterm infants and the impact of complementary feeding.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on preterm infant feeding post-discharge.
  • Analysis of growth outcomes comparing standard term formula, nutrient-enriched formula, and breastfeeding.
  • Identification of research gaps regarding supplementation and complementary feeding.

Main Results:

  • Nutrient-enriched formulas show growth benefits when fed longer (>/=6 months corrected age).
  • Shorter durations of enriched formula (
  • Breastfed preterm infants may benefit from nutrient supplementation, similar to term infants.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal nutritional strategies for preterm infants post-discharge remain unclear.
  • Further research is crucial to determine ideal formula composition, duration, and the role of supplementation.
  • The impact of complementary feeding on preterm infant growth requires investigation.

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