An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 12

Preterm infants face significant nutritional challenges due to the premature interruption of placental nutrient transfer and the immaturity of multiple organ systems. Nutrition is a major determinant of survival, growth, metabolic stability, immune competence, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population. Inadequate early nutrition is associated with postnatal growth failure, impaired brain development, increased morbidity, and adverse health consequences that may persist into later childhood and adulthood. This chapter presents a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of nutritional management in preterm neonates, focusing on physiological principles, nutrient requirements, and practical strategies for enteral and parenteral nutrition. Special emphasis is placed on the role of human milk, milk fortification, feeding advancement protocols, and structured clinical monitoring. Common nutritional complications, including feeding intolerance, necrotising enterocolitis, postnatal growth restriction, and metabolic bone disease, are discussed along with preventive and management strategies.

To support translation of evidence into clinical practice, integrated frameworks and clinical algorithms are included to guide individualised nutritional care in neonatal intensive care units. The overarching aim of this chapter is to provide clinicians, neonatologists, nurses, and allied health professionals with a practical reference that supports optimal growth, organ development, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.