Patient's question:
Medical Description: The child was born prematurely at 35 weeks of pregnancy (ultrasound showed the fetus was developed to 33 weeks) weighing 3 pounds and 1.6 ounces. Current check-ups show mostly normal results, except for moderate to low hearing. It is unknown whether it can recover to normal. Additionally, the parents can currently breastfeed, but should the child still be given premature formula?History of Treatment and Effects: Currently, the child has undergone an electroencephalogram (EEG), ultrasound, electrocardiogram (ECG), and received injections of globulin. Jaundice has subsided.
Desired Help: Inquire whether it is necessary to give the child premature formula while breastfeeding.
Doctor's answer:
Protein: Full-term infants consume 6-7% of their total calories from protein through breast milk, while preterm infants consume 10.2% of their total calories from protein, which is higher than that of full-term infants.Amino acids: Full-term infants require 9 essential amino acids, while preterm infants require 11. This is because preterm infants lack the relevant conversion enzymes to transform methionine into cysteine or phenylalanine into tyrosine. As a result, cysteine and tyrosine become essential amino acids that must be obtained from food.
Minerals: Preterm infants require more minerals than full-term infants because the final stage of fetal development is a period of mineral accumulation, such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, all of which need to increase. Premature infants who are born before term may lack minerals in their bodies.
Vitamins: Preterm infants are prone to hemolytic anemia due to a deficiency in vitamin E. Their ability to absorb fat is lower than that of full-term infants, and they may also lack fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. Whether preterm infants should be fed formula or breastfed is still under research. In summary, the nutrition of preterm infants should be tailored to individual needs. Due to varying circumstances and individual differences, nutritional considerations should be carefully tailored to each infant's specific situation.