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Feeding practices of the very low-birth-weight infant within the first year
Insights
Early feeding practices for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, including early cereals, low-fat milk, and whole cow's milk, may compromise infant nutrition and growth. Further research is needed to confirm if improved feeding strategies enhance VLBW infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infant Development
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants require specialized nutritional support.
- Early feeding practices can significantly impact nutrient intake and growth in VLBW infants.
- Current feeding guidelines may not fully address potential risks associated with common early feeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prevalent early feeding practices in VLBW infants.
- To assess the potential nutritional risks associated with these practices.
- To explore the relationship between feeding practices and infant growth outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of early feeding practices in a cohort of VLBW infants.
- Analysis of nutrient intake based on reported feeding patterns.
- Correlation of feeding practices with infant growth parameters.
Main Results:
- Three common practices identified: early introduction of cereals, use of 2% or skim milk, and early introduction of whole cow's milk.
- Each practice poses risks for compromised nutrient intake (e.g., reduced energy, essential fatty acids, micronutrient deficiencies).
- Combined adverse feeding practices may significantly impact VLBW infant growth.
Conclusions:
- Early introduction of cereals, low-fat milk, and whole cow's milk are prevalent in VLBW infant feeding.
- These practices can lead to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
- The impact of optimizing feeding practices on VLBW infant growth requires further investigation.
Abstract:
Information summarized from early feeding practices of VLBW infants (1,500 gm. or less at birth) identified three prevalent practices which potentially could result in compromised nutrition for these babies: (1) Cereals were introduced at an early age. Feeding cereals before infants are developmentally ready may decrease formula intake or result in a forced feeding situation. (b) Two percent and skim milk were fed to approximately 50% of these infants within their first year of life. Feeding calorically dilute milk may reduce energy intake, as well as compromise the intake of essential fatty acids. (c) Whole cow's milk was introduced to some VLBW infants at an early age. The feeding of cow's milk to young infants without appropriate supplementation may predispose these infants to significant nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. Any one of these feeding practices could affect an infant's nutrient intake. If all three are encountered in the same baby, growth may be adversely affected. Whether increased attention to appropriate feeding practices during the first year of life would result in a more favorable growth outcome for VLBW infants is not known.