ABSTRACT
It should come as no surprise to the reader that the information base with which to support the methods of determining the dietary requirements of preterm infants is limited. This nonhomogeneous population includes the late preterm infant (34 to 37 weeks gestation, birth weight usually >2000 g), the low birth weight infant (birth weight <2000 g), the very low birth weight infant (birth weight <1500 g), and the extremely low birth weight infant (birth weight <1000 g). In addition to the broad range of postconceptional age (23 to 37 weeks) and birth weight, preterm infants have genetic and epigenetic differences, varying rates of growth and energy metabolism, alternative methods of nutrient delivery (parenteral vs. enteral) and variable absorption rates of key nutrients. Any of these could affect the typically rapid growth trajectories of a preterm infant. There are also significant differences in degrees of illness and associated co-morbidities, which have a large impact on nutritional requirements and nutrient utilization. Thus, assessing the dietary requirements of this diverse population of preterm infants is not an easy task, and it is clear that “one size” cannot possibly fit all.
