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

Ga Won Jeon1, Yu Jin Jung1, Sun Young Koh1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, BusanDepartment of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineDepartment of Pediatrics, Cheil General Hospital, Kwandong University College of MedicineDepartment of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, SeoulDepartment of Pediatrics, Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|February 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Nutrient-enriched preterm formula improved growth rates in very low-birthweight preterm infants up to 18 months corrected age. Mental and psychomotor development remained comparable across feeding groups.

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.
Abstract

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