WHICH MILK FOR THE PRETERM INFANT

The optimal diet for the low birthweight infant is one that supports a growth rate approximating that of the third trimester of intra-uterin e life without imposing stress on the developing metabolic or excretor y systems. Although preterm human milk does not meet the energy and nu trient needs of developing preterm infants, the benefits such as contr ibutions to host defence and gastrointestinal trophic aspects, and the psychological benefits of maternal-infant bonding, make it the prefer red diet.