Nutrition for the Preterm Infant: Impact on Growth, Development, and Intestinal Health

Surveillance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified pervasive nutritional problems in infants and young children in the United States.(Reinold 2009; Polhamus 2007) Although breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition, there are a number of factors that may impact infant breastfeeding (ability, frequency and amount of intake): infant age and development (preterm vs term infants), extent of mother’s milk supply, time and schedule constraints on a mother’s ability to breastfeed (work, school and family needs and obligations), as well as adoption. (Labiner-Wolfe 2008; Shealy 2008).

Clinicians who are involved in the care of preterm infants need to be updated on best practices in meeting the nutritional needs of these patients which may include the introduction of formula supplementation. Furthermore, clinicians need continuing education in order to understand the different formula compositions, their effect on the gut microbiome, and how to educate parents and caregivers about the treatment course. This activity will provide updates on available formula supplementation options for preterm infants, as well as on the optimal use of these supplements and how they best fit into treatment plans.