Clinical experience with preterm formulas in very low birthweight infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nutrition
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infant Growth Studies

Background:

• Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants require specialized nutrition for optimal growth and development.
• Preterm infant formulas play a crucial role in bridging nutritional gaps and supporting catch-up growth.
• Evaluating the efficacy and safety of different preterm formulas is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the growth and gastrointestinal tolerance of two preterm infant formulas: S26 Low Birthweight (S26-LBW) and Enfalac Premature (EPF).
• To assess the impact of exclusive formula feeding versus formula supplementation of breast milk on infant outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving infants with birth weights below 1500 g.
• Infants were assigned to receive either S26-LBW or EPF.
• Feeding regimens included exclusive formula feeding or supplementation of mother's milk with formula.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed between S26-LBW and EPF groups in mean age of commencing feeds, regaining birth weight, or reaching 2000 g.
• The S26-LBW group achieved full enteral feeding significantly earlier (42 days vs. 64 days) and experienced fewer adverse gastrointestinal effects (4 vs. 10 infants).
• Both formulas supported growth exceeding intrauterine rates without metabolic compromise; growth rates were similar for supplemented and exclusively formula-fed infants.

Conclusions:

• Both S26-LBW and EPF formulas adequately support growth in very low birth weight infants.
• S26-LBW demonstrated an advantage in achieving earlier full enteral feeding and a better gastrointestinal tolerance profile.
• Supplementing preterm breast milk with preterm infant formula yields comparable growth to exclusive formula feeding.