Premature infants are highly susceptible to extrauterine growth restriction. Without early and adequate nutrition support, nutrition deficits of energy and protein can quickly accrue. Growth failure has been implicated in poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and long-term morbidity, creating a major focus on neonatal nutrition alongside medical management. Optimal nutrition is paramount for optimal growth outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review the implications and long-term effects of growth failure in premature infants, specifically, those with very low birth weights. In addition, nutrition interventions and treatments will be presented to manage and improve growth outcomes of the neonate.
Keywords: enteral nutrition; growth; infant, newborn; infant, very low birth weight; neonates; nutrition therapy; nutritional support; parenteral nutrition.