High-protein formulas: evidence for use in preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Pediatric growth and development
• Protein metabolism in infants

Background:

• Fetal growth in late second to early third trimester requires substantial protein for normal synthetic rates.
• Preterm infants often experience suboptimal growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Specialized preterm formulas enriched with protein have been developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors influencing enteral protein delivery in preterm infants.
• To compare standard and high-protein preterm formulas in neonatal intensive care units.
• To discuss the risks associated with insufficient or excessive protein administration.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on protein requirements and delivery in preterm infants.
• Analysis of current practices in neonatal intensive care units regarding preterm formulas.
• Discussion of protein quantity and quality in enteral feeding.

Main Results:

• Sustained higher protein intake in preterm infants promotes growth comparable to normally growing fetuses.
• Improved long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes are associated with adequate protein intake.
• Careful consideration of protein quantity and quality is essential to mitigate risks.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing protein delivery is vital for improving growth and neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
• High-protein preterm formulas may be beneficial but require careful management.
• Balancing protein intake is critical to avoid potential adverse effects in the neonatal intensive care unit.