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Growth and body composition of infants born moderate-to-late preterm fed a protein- and mineral-enriched

Monique van de Lagemaat1, Charlotte A Ruys1, Jacqueline Muts2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Infants born moderate-to-late preterm fed enriched formula showed improved growth and body composition. This specialized nutrition supports better development in preterm infants, potentially reducing long-term health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric growth and development
  • Preterm infant care

Background:

  • Infants born moderate-to-late preterm (32-35 weeks gestation) face risks of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes later in life.
  • Optimal early nutrition is crucial for growth and body composition to mitigate these cardiometabolic risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare growth and body composition in moderate-to-late preterm infants fed enriched postdischarge formula (PDF) versus standard term formula (STF).
  • The study evaluated outcomes until 6 months corrected age (CA).

Main Methods:

  • Infants received PDF if mother's own milk (MOM) was insufficient. At term equivalent age (TEA), formula-fed infants were randomized to PDF or STF.
  • A reference group received predominantly MOM. Anthropometry and body composition (DXA, ADP) were measured at TEA and 6 months CA.

Main Results:

  • At 6 months CA, infants on PDF showed significantly greater length and head circumference compared to those on STF.
  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) indicated higher lean mass and bone mineral content in the PDF group.
  • Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) did not show statistically significant differences in body composition between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Postdischarge formula (PDF) feeding for 6 months after term equivalent age (TEA) resulted in modest improvements in length, head circumference, lean mass, and bone mineral content in moderate-to-late preterm infants.
  • These findings suggest potential benefits of enriched formula for preterm infant development.
Abstract

Keywords:
air displacement plethysmographybody compositiondual-energy x-ray absorptiometrygrowthinfantsmoderate-to-late pretermmother’s own milknutritionpostdischargeproteinprotein-enriched

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