Evaluating Nutrient Loss In Continuous Enteral Feeding Systems

Very low birth weight (VLBW) and other high-risk infants require accurate delivery of nutrients enterally to promote appropriate growth. However, loss of nutrients may occur during gavage feeding of fortified human milk. This presentation examines studies that have quantified nutrient loss based on current feeding strategies including the use of a human milk-based human milk fortifier and different feeding systems.

The PubMed citation for the papers under discussion are:

• Fortifier and Cream Improve Fat Delivery in Continuous Enteral Infant Feeding of Breast Milk. Tabata M, et al. Nutrients. 11 February 2015. 7(2): 1174-1183. doi:10.3390/nu7021174.
• Continuous feedings of fortified human milk lead to nutrient losses of fat, calcium and phosphorous. Rogers SP, et al. Nutrients. Mar 2010. 2(3):230-40. doi: 10.3390/nu2030240

Keli Hawthorne, MS, RD, LD
Director for Clinical Research for the Department of Pediatrics
Austin, Texas