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Introduction and feeding practices of solid food in preterm infants born in Salzburg!

Edda Hofstätter1, Verena Köttstorfer1, Patricia Stroicz2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.

BMC Pediatrics
|January 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Many preterm infants receive solids too early, increasing risks for health issues. Clearer guidelines and caregiver education are crucial for proper infant nutrition and development.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Infant development

Background:

  • Meeting nutritional demands is vital for preterm infant survival, development, and long-term health.
  • Established weaning guidelines exist for term infants, but evidence for preterm infants is limited.
  • This study investigated current practices and reasons for early introduction of solids in preterm infants in Salzburg.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify current practices of introducing solid foods to preterm infants.
  • To determine the reasons behind early weaning in this population.
  • To highlight the need for improved guidelines and caregiver education.

Main Methods:

  • 68 preterm infants (born 24 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks) were recruited.
  • Caregivers participated in structured interviews at 17 weeks corrected age.
  • Infant anthropometric data (weight, height, head circumference) were collected.

Main Results:

  • 52% of infants received solids before the recommended 17 weeks corrected age (mean 13.77 weeks).
  • Early introduction of solids correlated with exclusive and early formula feeding.
  • 34% of caregivers were advised by pediatricians to wean; 23% introduced solids before 12 weeks corrected age, posing risks for obesity, celiac disease, and diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Clear guidelines for complementary feeding in preterm infants are necessary.
  • Effective implementation of these guidelines is essential.
  • Caregivers require early and comprehensive education on infant feeding, emphasizing corrected age.
Abstract

Keywords:
Complementary feedingPreterm infantsSolidsWeaning

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