Clinical Report: Nutritional Fortifiers for Human Milk in Preterm Infants
Background
The survival rates of extremely preterm infants have improved due to advancements in neonatal care; however, extrauterine growth restriction remains a significant concern. Human milk alone may not provide sufficient nutrition for very preterm infants.
Data Highlights
No specific numerical data or trial results are provided in the source material.
Key Findings
Human milk is the optimal enteral feeding source for preterm infants but may require fortification.
Diverse types of human milk fortifiers are employed in various feeding situations for preterm infants.
Very preterm infants are at increased risk of infections and post-natal growth failure.
Fortification strategies can impact growth and health outcomes in preterm infants.
Recent studies have compared the efficacy of different types of milk-derived fortifiers.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should consider the use of nutritional fortifiers to meet the specific dietary needs of very preterm infants. Ongoing research into novel fortifiers may provide additional options for optimizing nutrition in this population.
Conclusion
The supplementation of human milk with nutritional fortifiers is essential for addressing the nutritional deficiencies in preterm infants, and continued research is necessary to refine these practices.
