Improved growth of very low birthweight infants

The Effects of the Introduction of a High-Nutrient Transitional Formula on Growth and Development of Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants

“…Our results are similar to other studies 8,13,14 that evaluated the effects of a high-nutrient formula after discharge. Friel et al 13 reported on 52 infants <1500 g birth weight who were randomly assigned to either a nutrient-enriched formula or a standard term formula when the infants achieved a weight of 1850 g. Infants were then maintained on the assigned formula for 6 months and followed for 12 months.…”

“…Studies comparing unfortified and fortified human milk with fortified formulas have shown decreased bone mineralization and linear growth among infants receiving human milk. 10,21,25,26 In summary, our findings support prior reports 8,13,14 of improved growth for VLBW infants receiving TF. One difference between our observational study and the three trials was duration of TF.…”

“…Friel et al 13 reported on 52 infants <1500 g birth weight who were randomly assigned to either a nutrient-enriched formula or a standard term formula when the infants achieved a weight of 1850 g. Infants were then maintained on the assigned formula for 6 months and followed for 12 months. They reported better weight gain velocity during the first 8 days in the study for infants on high-nutrient formula with a trend for better length velocity z-scores after discharge.…”

“…One difference between our observational study and the three trials was duration of TF. In the Friel et al 13 trial, infants received TF for 6 months, in the Lucas et al 14 trial for 9 months, and in the Carver et al 8 trial for 12 months. In our study, only 37% of infants remained on TF at 7 months of age.…”

Regulation of Protein Synthesis and Proteolysis in the Neonate by Feeding

“…178 Compared with infants fed a standard formula for term infants or unfortified human milk, preterm infants fed a specially formulated preterm formula and preterm human milk fortifier have weight gain and bone mineralization more similar to the reference fetus. 107,182,183 Preterm formulas, as well as human milk fortifiers, are commercially available and account for the additional nutrient needs of the premature infant. 179,180 More attention to nutrition after discharge is needed because, based on the work of Davis and colleagues, 26,181 there seems to be a finite period during which the protein synthetic response to increased nutrient intake occurs maximally.…”