Early Nutritional Interventions for Brain and  Cognitive Development in Preterm Infants: A Review of the Literature.

ABSTRACT: Adequate nutrition is important for neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm-born infants. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on nutritional interventions initiated during the hospital stay targeting brain and cognitive development benefits in preterm human infants. Studies can broadly be split in general dietary intervention studies and studies investigating specific nutrients or nutritional supplements. In general, mother's breast milk was reported to be better for preterm infants' neurodevelopment compared to infant formula. The differences in methodologies make it difficult to conclude any effects of interventions with individual nutrients. Only protein and iron level studies showed some consistent findings regarding optimal doses; however, confirmatory studies are

SUBMITTER: Schneider N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5372850 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature