Preterm infants fed nutrient-enriched formula until 6 months show improved growth and development

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Pediatric growth and development

Background:

• Preterm infants, especially those with very low birth weight, face challenges in growth and development.
• Nutritional strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of feeding nutrient-enriched preterm formula until 6 months corrected age (CA) on growth and development.
• To compare different feeding regimens in very low-birthweight preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Infants were assigned to three groups: term formula to 6 months CA, preterm formula to 3 months CA then term formula, or preterm formula to 6 months CA.
• Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head circumference) were taken at multiple time points up to 18 months CA.
• Mental and psychomotor development were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 18 months CA.

Main Results:

• Group 3 (preterm formula until 6 months CA) showed significantly higher growth rates for body weight, length, and head circumference compared to groups 1 and 2.
• Despite initial lower measurements at term, infants in group 3 exhibited catch-up growth.
• No significant differences in mental or psychomotor developmental indices were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Feeding nutrient-enriched preterm formula until 6 months CA significantly enhances growth rates in very low-birthweight preterm infants.
• This feeding strategy supports comparable neurodevelopmental outcomes to standard feeding regimens.
• Optimized nutrition in early life is vital for improving growth trajectories in preterm infants.