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Does Human Milk Modulate Body Composition in Late Preterm Infants at Term-Corrected Age?
Maria Lorella Giannì1, Dario Consonni2, Nadia Liotto3
1Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Commenda 12, 20122 Milano, Italy. maria.gianni@unimi.it.
Human milk feeding in early life is linked to increased fat-free mass in late preterm infants. Promoting breastfeeding is crucial for these vulnerable babies to support healthy body composition development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Late preterm infants represent a significant proportion of preterm births.
- These infants are susceptible to altered body composition, impacting long-term health.
- Human milk is the recommended feeding method for infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early human milk feeding and body composition development in late preterm infants.
- To determine if human milk intake influences fat-free mass and fat mass in this population.
Main Methods:
- Collected neonatal, anthropometric, and feeding data from 284 late preterm infants.
- Assessed body composition at term-corrected age using air displacement plethysmography.
- Employed multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the impact of human milk feeding.
Main Results:
- 68% of infants received human milk.
- Human milk feeding at discharge and term-corrected age showed a positive association with fat-free mass.
- Exclusive human milk feeding at term-corrected age was significantly linked to higher fat-free mass content.
Conclusions:
- Early human milk feeding is associated with enhanced fat-free mass deposition in late preterm infants.
- Healthcare providers should prioritize and support breastfeeding for this vulnerable group.
- Promoting human milk intake may contribute to improved body composition outcomes.
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