The hazards of premature infant milk powder

For newborns, since the digestive system is not yet fully developed, feeding is mainly based on breast milk and formula feeding. Premature babies have weaker resistance and poorer body functions, so breastfeeding is better than formula feeding. However, there is no harm in feeding premature babies with milk powder. On the contrary, it can provide the baby with various nutrients needed, such as protein, amino acids, inorganic salts, vitamins, etc.

1. Nutritional needs of premature infants

1. Protein:

The protein intake of mature infants from breast milk accounts for 6-7% of total calories, while the protein intake of premature infants accounts for 10.2% of total calories, which is higher than normal infants.

2. Amino Acids:

Normal children have 9 essential amino acids, and premature infants have 11. Because premature infants lack the relevant converting enzymes, they cannot convert methionine into cystine and phenylalanine into tyrosine. Therefore, cystine and tyrosine become essential amino acids and must be obtained from food.

3. Inorganic salts:

Premature babies need more than mature babies because the last stage of fetal development is the stage of increase in inorganic salts, such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Premature babies will lack inorganic salts in their bodies.

4. Vitamins:

Premature infants lack vitamin E and are prone to hemolytic anemia. Their fat absorption rate is not as good as that of mature infants, and they may lack fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. Whether it is better for premature infants to eat formula or be breastfed remains to be studied. In short, the nutrition of premature babies should vary from person to person. Due to different situations and individual differences, nutrition should be carefully considered based on individual circumstances.

2. Selection of milk powder for premature babies

1. Choose according to ingredients:

α-lactalbumin in milk accounts for only 4% of the total protein, which is relatively small. α-Lactalbumin can provide an amino acid combination suitable for babies, improve the bioavailability of protein, reduce the total amount of egg whites, and thus effectively reduce the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, α-lactalbumin also contains neurotransmitters that regulate sleep, which helps babies sleep and promotes brain development.

2. Choose according to the baby's age:

The instructions for milk powder will indicate the appropriate age in months or ages, and you can choose as needed. The milk powder suitable for babies should, first of all, not cause constipation or diarrhea after eating, and indicators such as weight and height should grow normally. The baby should sleep well and have a normal appetite. In addition, the baby has no bad breath, less eye mucus, and no rash.

3. Choose according to your baby’s health needs:

The digestive system of premature babies is less developed than that of normal-born babies, so premature baby milk powder can be chosen. It can be changed to infant formula milk powder only when the weight develops to normal (greater than 2500 grams). For babies who lack lactase, babies with chronic diarrhea who have lost lactase in the intestinal mucosa, and babies with asthma and skin diseases, desensitized milk powder, also known as soy formula milk powder, can be chosen. Babies with acute or long-term chronic diarrhea or short bowel syndrome can use hydrolyzed protein formula milk powder because of damaged intestinal mucosa and lack of multiple digestive enzymes. Children who are iron deficient can supplement with high-iron milk powder. These choices should best be made under the guidance of a clinical nutritionist.