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Growth and bone mineralization in preterm infants fed preterm formula or standard term formula after discharge

Jean-Charles Picaud1, Evelyne Decullier, Odile Plan

  • 1CHU de Montpellier, Service de Neonatologie, Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France. jc-picaud@chumontpellier.fr

The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Preterm formula (PF) improved growth and bone mineralization in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants compared to term formula (TF). These benefits persisted at 12 months postterm, indicating PF

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Growth and Development
  • Bone Metabolism in Preterm Infants

Background:

  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have unique nutritional needs for optimal growth and development.
  • Standard term formula (TF) may not adequately support the rapid growth and bone mineralization required by preterm infants post-discharge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of preterm formula (PF) versus term formula (TF) on growth and bone mineralization in VLBW infants.
  • To assess long-term growth outcomes up to 12 months postterm.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind prospective study involving 49 VLBW infants (gestational age ≤33 weeks).
  • Infants were randomly assigned to receive either PF or TF for 2 months post-discharge, followed by TF for all infants for another 2 months.
  • Anthropometric measurements and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were conducted at discharge, 2, 4 months post-discharge, and 12 months postterm.

Main Results:

  • At 4 months post-discharge, infants fed PF showed significantly higher body weight and bone mineral content compared to those fed TF.
  • At 12 months postterm, mean body weight, length, and head circumference remained higher in the PF group.
  • Body mass index was within the normal range and similar between groups at 12 months postterm.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm formula (PF) significantly enhances early growth and bone mineralization in VLBW infants compared to term formula (TF).
  • The findings suggest that PF is particularly beneficial during the initial post-discharge period for VLBW infants.
  • Continued feeding with TF after an initial period of PF did not negate the early advantages in growth parameters.
Abstract

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