ABSTRACT
Optimal nutrition of the low birth weight (LBW) infant requires consideration of multiple factors. Human milk feedings generally are inadequate for optimal nutrition of the LBW preterm infant. For initiation of enteral feeds, however, it has advantages over infant formulas of being better tolerated, producing less gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance and having a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis. Vitamin E functions biologically as a scavenger of free radicals and as an antioxidant, while dietary iron and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) promote lipid peroxidation. Vitamin A is essential for the support of growth, differentiation of epithelial cells, and formation of rhodopsin. Human milk vitamin A content varies widely and is generally highest at birth, decreasing gradually over several months. Providing vitamin A to the infant on parenteral nutrition is problematic. Vitamin A undergoes significant photodegradation and is readily absorbed by intravenous tubing.
