TARGETED FORTIFICATION OF BREAST MILK FED TO PREMATURE INFANTS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Breast milk fed to very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants needs to be fortified with protein, mineral and vitamins because concentrations of these nutrients are insufficient to meet the high needs of VLBW infants. The aim of fortification is to raise nutrient concentrations to such levels that nutrient needs are met at usual feeding volumes. Fortification also includes the addition of energy in the form of carbohydrate and fat, with the objective of increasing the caloric density of fortified milk in order to reduce the volume of feedings necessary to achieve adequate energy intakes. The purpose of the study is to determine whether a new method of fortifying breast milk fed to VLBW babies leads to improved nutrient intake and growth. This study will test the hypotheses that targeted fortification is feasible; that targeted fortification achieves higher intakes of protein and calories than standard fortification; and that targeted fortification leads to higher weight gain than standard fortification.