The duration of most pregnancies is around 40 weeks, but around 10% of births occur earlier. Preterm is defined as a baby born within the 37th week, postermine a newborn born after the 42nd week.
Milks intended for rapid weight recovery are marked with the number zero; also in this case, the choice of the type of milk must be made exclusively by the pediatrician.
Often the gastrointestinal tract of these children is not ready to receive nourishment, because it is not yet fully developed. A specific dietary protocol has therefore been studied, which takes into account the progressive maturation of organs and systems.
The nutritional plan of a preterm or low-weight infant provides, in principle, three moments:
- a phase of exclusive parenteral feeding, then through a drip (in the first 3-5 / 7 days of life);
- a transition phase from parenteral to enteral feeding (5 / 7-14 / 20 days of life);
- an exclusively enteral feeding phase (after 14/20 days of life).
The first stage is only followed if the baby is unable to receive nourishment by mouth. Obviously, after this period it is necessary to gradually pass from parenteral to enteral nutrition; hence the need for the transition period. After a few days, if possible, it is very important to supply the nutrients for the classic enteral route, in order to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and in particular the B-lactase. This enzyme is in fact induced by the substrate (its synthesis increases if lactose is taken and decreases if the diet lacks it).
The start of enteral feeding must take place as soon as possible also to stimulate the production of bile and promote the correct development of the intestinal mucosa and flora, elements that will be essential for the future and healthy development of the child.
Also with regard to type 0 milks there is a "specific regulation that imposes, for each type of nutrient, the minimum and maximum concentration limits. Let's see some examples:
energy: to ensure growth similar to that of the third trimester of pregnancy, 130-135 Kcal / Kg of body weight are required.
Proteins: hydrolyzed whey proteins and taurine are added (these are milks with a high protein content); the proteins are partially hydrolyzed to facilitate digestion, but also to prevent them from being absorbed through the intestinal mucosa of the child (peptide fragments that are too high can induce allergic phenomena).Carbohydrates: lactose and low molecular weight dextrins are added.
Mineral salts: the preterm infant needs more salts and vitamins. For iron, a pharmacological supplement (in drops) is preferred.
