Enteral nutrition of premature infants

Abstract

To optimize the feeding of preterm infants is now one of the priority areas in neonatology and pediatrics because neonatal malnutrition has a negative impact on the health and development of a preterm infant, including on those at a later age. Current recommendations for the enteral feeding of preterm infants are based on the knowledge of their anatomic and physiological features and the need to prevent a menacing disease, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. The feeding of preterm infants at any gestational age with their mother’s native breast milk is most optimal. Recommendations for breast milk enrichment are warranted for preterm infants with higher nutrient requirements.