Neonatal Nutrition and Prematurity
摘要
The care provided to preterm infants has grown significantly over the years due to more advances in the field of neonatology. With these advances comes the survival of younger and younger neonates whose needs are significantly greater than anything we’ve seen in the past. As a result, providing appropriate nutritional care to this population is paramount. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the development of the preterm infant, specifically as it pertains to the gastrointestinal tract and overall digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as guidance on assessing the growth of preterm infants. It will also outline enteral and parenteral nutritional guidelines and nutrient goals for this population in order to prevent nutrient deficiency and toxicity. The nutritional care provided to neonates can impact long-term health and the quality of life for this patient group; therefore, quality nutrition should be the focus.