Protein for Premies

High Versus Standard Dose Protein for Very Preterm Infants

Although expressed breast milk is considered the optimal nutritional source for preterm infants, the macronutrient content is insufficient to enable optimal growth during neonatal intensive care. Optimal dose and optimal mode of administration (standardized or individualized) of enteral protein supplementation to very preterm infants have not been established.

This study aims to compare the effects on weight gain of different modes of enteral protein supplementation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• very preterm infants <32 weeks gestation and <1500g birth weight
• > 100ml/kg/d of enteral feeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• missing informed consent
• decision not to feed breast milk
• congenital malformations
• age > 7 days at study entry