The Evaluation and Development of Standardized Supplementation for Human Milk for Term Infants at High Nutritional Risk

• Published in: Journal of the American Dietetic Association Vol. 99; no. 9; p. A107
• Main Authors: Olson, D.L., Nelson, J.K., Schwenk, W.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.09.1999
• ISSN: 0002-8223; 1878-3570
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-8223(99)00776-2

Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feedings. In some instances, even with the assistance of a lactation consultant or occupational therapist to optimize feeding, term infants may not be able to consume or tolerate an adequate volume of milk to meet their needs for growth and development This may occur in infants with congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, birth asphyxia, biliary atresia and other medical problems. Human milk fortifiers are marketed to meet the needs of preterm infants but are not appropriate for term infants. Using preterm fortifiers for term infants can result in excess intakes of a number of vitamins and minerals. When supplementing human milk the affect on osmolality, vitamin, mineral and trace element intake, renal solute load, sanitation, cost and accuracy of preparation must be taken into account Recipes must be practical for use in the hospital and home setting, providing reasonable volumes that do not result in wastage of human milk. Standard recipes were developed for supplementing human milk with infant formula powder at varying caloric densities. Guidelines were written for supplementing human milk for home and hospital use and were located on the medical center dietetics computer drive. Clinical dietitians were oriented as to the availability and usage of this information. These guidelines have been well received as a resource by the clinical dietetics staff.