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Smell and taste in the preterm infant
Frank H Bloomfield1, Tanith Alexander2, Mariana Muelbert3
1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Newborn Services, National Women's Health, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Early Human Development
|September 14, 2017
Summary
Smell and taste are vital for infant metabolism and digestion, influencing hormone release before feeding. This review explores their crucial role in newborn infants, particularly preterm infants, for healthy development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Sensory neuroscience
- Metabolic regulation
Background:
- Olfaction and gustation are crucial for food enjoyment and initiate metabolic responses before ingestion.
- Sensory receptors for smell and taste are functional in fetuses, with evidence of antenatal odor learning.
- The role of smell and taste in preterm infant nutrition and long-term metabolic health is often overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for the role of smell and taste in newborn infants.
- To highlight the importance of sensory input in supporting enteral nutrition and metabolism in very preterm infants.
- To explore the potential of smell and taste in programming hypothalamic circuitry for healthy post-neonatal metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on infant olfaction and gustation.
- Analysis of studies investigating sensory development and function in newborns.
- Examination of the link between early sensory experiences and metabolic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Smell and taste play a significant role in initiating the cephalic phase response, impacting hormone secretion for digestion.
- Sensory pathways are developed early, suggesting a window for intervention in preterm infants.
- Early olfactory and gustatory experiences may influence the development of neural circuits regulating metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Smell and taste are integral to infant metabolism and digestion, not just food enjoyment.
- Greater consideration of sensory pathways is needed in the care of very preterm infants.
- Early sensory stimulation via smell and taste may promote healthier metabolic programming in infants.
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