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Fortification of Human Milk for Preterm Infants

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Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

Abstract

Human milk is the best feeding choice for preterm infants, as it offers protection against sepsis and other infections (particularly diarrhoea and acute otitis media) [1] and against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) [2], thanks to its various bioactive and immunomodulatory components. Furthermore, human milk feeding is related to long-term improved neurocognitive development [3]. It has a beneficial role in facilitating and improving adaptation to extrauterine life; its components also have the effect of promoting psychomotor and behavioural development [4].

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Abbreviations

AAP:

American Academy of Pediatrics

AGA:

Appropriate for gestational age

ARA:

Arachidonic acid

BUN:

Blood urea nitrogen

DHA:

Docosahexaenoic acid

ESPGHAN:

European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

GA:

Gestational age

GER:

Gastroesophageal reflux

HMF:

Human milk fortifier

LBW:

Low birth weight

LC-PUFA:

Long-chain polyunsatured fatty acid

MCT:

Medium-chain triglyceride

NEC:

Necrotizing enterocolitis

NICU:

Neonatal intensive care unit

NIRA:

Near-infrared-reflectance-analysis

RCT:

Randomized controlled trial

SGA:

Small for gestational age

VLBW:

Very low birth weight

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Correspondence to Luigi Corvaglia .

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Corvaglia, L., Legnani, E., Aceti, A., Mariani, E., Faldella, G. (2013). Fortification of Human Milk for Preterm Infants. In: Preedy, V., Srirajaskanthan, R., Patel, V. (eds) Handbook of Food Fortification and Health. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7110-3_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7110-3_12

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