Formulas and human milk for premature infants: a review and update

New methods of feeding low-birth-weight infants have been developed as a result of improved knowledge concerning the nutritional requirements of the premature infant. Breast milk may offer certain nutritional and non-nutritional advantages for immature babies. Preterm milk is theoretically more appropriate than term or pooled mature breast milk. However, some nutrients may be inadequate to support intrauterine rates of growth in small premature infants. New formulas specifically designed for preterm babies appear to be safe and to promote improved weight gain, fat absorption, bone mineralization, and nitrogen retention. Nutritional needs of growing preterm infants are better met by preamture formulas than by formulas designed for term babies.