Fortification of human milk for feeding preterm infants: What is the ideal strategy?

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nutrition
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infant Development

Background:

• Optimal growth in preterm infants during NICU stays is linked to better neurodevelopment and reduced morbidity.
• Human milk (HM) feeding is standard for preterm infants, reducing complications like necrotizing enterocolitis.
• However, HM alone often lacks sufficient protein and nutrients for adequate infant growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss various human milk fortification strategies for preterm infants.
• To explore the benefits and optimal timing of different human milk fortifiers.
• To address the ongoing debate regarding the best fortification approaches for growth and neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and expert opinions on human milk fortification.
• Discussion of different types of human milk fortifiers (human or bovine origin).
• Analysis of fortification timing and its impact on preterm infant outcomes.

Main Results:

• Human milk fortifiers supplement protein, minerals (sodium, calcium, phosphorus), vitamins, and micronutrients.
• Different fortification strategies may offer varied benefits for preterm infant growth.
• The optimal fortification approach remains an area of active research and clinical discussion.

Conclusions:

• Human milk fortification is necessary to meet the nutritional demands of preterm infants.
• Evidence-based strategies are needed to guide the selection and timing of fortifiers.
• Further research is essential to optimize fortification for improved growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.