Dietary management of infants and young children with feeding difficulties and unsatisfactory weight gain using a nutritionally complete hypercaloric infant formula. practical considerations from clinical cases

Abstract

Introduction: A decrease in weight velocity and feeding difficulties in infants may be caused by an inadequate caloric intake and underlying medical conditions. Case description: By focusing on four clinical cases, this article illustrates the temporary use of a special infant formula in orally-fed and enterally-fed infants with unsatisfactory weight gain and special medical conditions such as gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. The formula was a nutritionally complete hypercaloric infant formula containing partially hydrolyzed whey protein. It was used after full consideration of all feeding options including breastfeeding. Conclusion: Implementing appropriate feeding behaviors, adapted to age and potential comorbidities, is an essential prerequisite for therapeutic management. The use of a nutritionally complete hypercaloric infant formula can be helpful to manage unsatisfactory weight gain and feeding difficulties in infants.