Preterm infants

ESPGHAN and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicate that the preferred food for premature infants is fortified mum's own milk (MOM). If a mother is unable to provide adequate volumes of her own milk, then pasteurised donor human milk is the next best option, followed by a formula designed for premature infants.^13,19

However, further trials that compare growth, development and adverse outcomes in infants who receive formula milk versus nutrient fortified donor breast milk are needed.²⁰

ESPGHAN has set out guidelines for the nutritional intake of infants born prematurely and has categorised these infants into those born weighing less than
1 kg and between 1-1.8 kg.¹³

_{*MCTs = medium chain triglycerides **Osmolality = osmoles of solute per kg of water}