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Protein intakes to optimize outcomes for preterm infants

Nicholas D Embleton1, Chris H P van den Akker2

  • 1Newcastle Neonatal Service, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Seminars in Perinatology
|July 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Protein needs are higher in preterm infants, but current intakes are often insufficient. This review examines protein physiology and evidence for updated parenteral nutrition recommendations for very preterm infants (<32 weeks).

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric medicine

Background:

  • Proteins are vital for human cell structure and physiological processes.
  • Preterm infants have significantly higher protein requirements than term infants.
  • Inadequate protein intake is a common issue in neonatal intensive care units.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review protein and amino acid physiology in newborns.
  • To evaluate the evidence supporting current protein intake recommendations for preterm infants.
  • To address the common problem of inadequate protein intake in neonatal units.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on parenteral amino acid intake in preterm infants.
  • Analysis of updated recommendations for parenteral nutrition.
  • Examination of protein and amino acid physiology in the neonatal period.

Main Results:

  • Very preterm infants often require parenteral amino acid solutions upon admission.
  • Human milk alone is insufficient to meet the protein needs of most very preterm infants.
  • Supplementation or fortification of enteral feeds is necessary for adequate protein delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding neonatal protein and amino acid physiology is crucial.
  • Current evidence supports updated recommendations for parenteral nutrition in preterm infants.
  • Addressing protein deficits is essential for optimal growth and development in very preterm infants.

Keywords:
Amino acidsNeonateNutrient intakesParenteralPrematurePretermProtein

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