Human milk fortification and use of infant formulas to support growth in the neonatal intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Pediatric intensive care
• Infant growth and development

Background:

• Optimal nutrition is essential for newborn growth and long-term health.
• Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have specialized nutritional requirements due to comorbidities.
• Human milk is the ideal nutrition source, but often requires supplementation for vulnerable infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use of human milk fortifiers (HMFs) for preterm infants in the NICU.
• To discuss the indications for using specialized infant formulas in the NICU.
• To highlight strategies for meeting the unique nutritional demands of sick newborns.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on neonatal nutrition strategies.
• Analysis of different types of HMFs and their properties.
• Examination of indications for various infant formulas in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Multinutrient HMFs are commonly used to meet the increased nutritional demands of preterm infants.
• HMFs vary in composition (e.g., milk source, form, pH) with distinct benefits and risks.
• Specialty infant formulas address specific medical conditions when mother's or donor milk is insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate use of HMFs and specialized formulas is vital for optimizing growth in NICU infants.
• Tailoring nutritional support, including HMFs and formulas, is key to addressing individual infant needs.
• Further research may refine the application of these nutritional interventions for improved outcomes.