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What formula should premature infants eat?

Dec 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Premature infants require formulas such as breast milk fortifiers, amino acid-based formulas, extensively hydrolyzed protein formulas, goat milk formulas, and nutrient-enriched formulas. These formulas are rich in specific nutrients that support the growth and development of premature infants. When selecting a formula, choices should be made based on the infant's health status and nutritional needs, and feeding should be conducted under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Preterm infants may have underdeveloped systems and require formulas such as breast milk-based formula, amino acid-based formula, extensively hydrolyzed protein formula, goat milk formula, or nutrient-enriched formula, all rich in specific nutrients that support the growth and development of preterm infants. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Breast Milk-Based Formula: This formula is designed to simulate the composition of breast milk, with a nutritional structure closer to that of breast milk. It contains nutrients easily digested and absorbed by preterm infants, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals, helping promote their growth and development while reducing the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.

2. Amino Acid-Based Formula: The protein in this formula has been hydrolyzed into amino acids, suitable for preterm infants allergic to cow's milk protein or with digestion and absorption issues. It provides necessary amino acids to support growth and development and may alleviate or prevent symptoms such as skin itching and diarrhea caused by cow's milk protein.

3. Extensively Hydrolyzed Protein Formula: This formula reduces allergenicity by breaking down large protein molecules into smaller peptide chains, making it suitable for preterm infants with mild to moderate intolerance or sensitivity. It can relieve gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and vomiting while supplying essential nutrients to support their growth and development.

4. Goat Milk Formula: Goat milk formula contains a higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid, a nutrient beneficial for brain and retinal development. Some preterm infants with weaker constitutions may digest and absorb goat milk formula more easily, and its nutrients help promote comprehensive development in preterm infants.

5. Nutrient-Enriched Formula: These formulas are fortified to meet the special nutritional needs of preterm infants—for example, they may include DHA and ARA, nutrients beneficial for brain and visual development, as well as minerals and vitamins such as calcium, iron, and zinc, to meet the high nutritional demands during the growth and development of preterm infants.

When selecting formula, choices should be made based on the preterm infant's health status and nutritional needs, under the guidance of a pediatrician. Additionally, regularly monitor the infant's weight gain and any signs of intolerance; if abnormalities occur, seek medical advice promptly to adjust the feeding plan.

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