Fortification of human milk for preterm infants

Abstract

Optimal early nutrition is critical for improving growth in preterm infants. • The goal is to achieve a growth rate similar to in utero foetal growth. • Human milk does not always meet the preterm infant's nutrients needs. • Standard fortification cannot guarantee an adequate growth rate because of the low protein intake. • Tailored/targeted fortification is based on HM analysis, so that each infant always receives the amount of nutrient that he/she needs. • In adjustable fortification protein intake is "adjusted" on the basis of the infant's metabolic response.