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Complementary Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

Nadia Liotto1,2, Francesco Cresi3, Isadora Beghetti4

  • 1Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy.

Nutrients
|June 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Complementary feeding (CF) guidelines for preterm infants are lacking. Early introduction between 5-8 months chronological age, with proper developmental skills, is suggested, alongside individualized care for oral dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Infant Development

Background:

  • Preterm infants often have comorbidities affecting oral functions.
  • Complementary feeding (CF) practices in this population require specific consideration.
  • Existing literature on CF for preterm infants is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the literature on complementary feeding (CF) in preterm infants.
  • To identify current recommendations and strategies for CF in this vulnerable group.
  • To highlight gaps in knowledge regarding CF and infant outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Cochrane Library.
  • Inclusion of studies on preterm infants (gestational age <37 weeks).
  • Categorization of studies by CF timing, quality, clinical outcomes, and oral dysfunction management.

Main Results:

  • 6295 papers identified in PubMed; 40 met inclusion criteria.
  • Cochrane search yielded 4 additional study protocols (2 ongoing).
  • 4 papers specifically addressed CF management in preterm infants with oral dysfunctions.

Conclusions:

  • Lack of specific guidelines for CF management in preterm infants.
  • Limited data on the relationship between CF and growth/health outcomes.
  • Suggests initiating CF between 5-8 months chronological age (post 3 months corrected age) with acquired skills; individualized multidisciplinary intervention for oral dysfunction is recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
complementary feedingoral dysfunctionpreterm infantsweaning

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