Development of the infant intestine: implications for nutrition support

Nutr Clin Pract. 2007 Apr;22(2):159-73. doi: 10.1177/0115426507022002159.

Abstract

The incidence of preterm births has continued to increase over the past 25 years, and therefore the optimal feeding of these infants is an important clinical concern. This review focuses on intestinal development and physiology, with a particular emphasis on developmentally immature functions of the preterm intestine and the resulting implications for nutrition therapies used to feed the preterm infant.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colostrum / immunology
  • Digestion
  • Gastrointestinal Motility
  • Humans
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Infant, Newborn / growth & development
  • Infant, Newborn / physiology*
  • Infant, Premature / growth & development
  • Infant, Premature / physiology*
  • Intestinal Absorption
  • Intestines / growth & development*
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Intestines / physiology*
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Nutritional Support*