Abstract
Background:Preterm infants, especially those with intrauterine growth restriction, have considerably higher nutrient requirements. Research shows that multi-nutrient fortifiers are beneficial in promoting growth. Currently there are no national guidelines on the use of supplementation, with many neonatal units (NNUs) setting their own standards.
Objective: To carry out a survey on sub-regional NNUs across England, looking at current practice in the use of breast milk fortifier and nutrient supplements.
Method: Single operator completed a standardised telephonic questionnaire across 40 NNUs. Ten questions were asked, each with a single option answer, relating to the use of breast milk fortifier and supplements.
Results: The majority (95%) of neonatal units did not routinely use breast milk fortifier for exclusively breast fed neonates. Of these, 92% only added breast milk fortifier if the infant was not gaining weight. 23% of hospitals continued to use breast milk fortifier even if the infants were on a 50:50 mix of breast milk with formula feeds. 50% of NNUs offered iron supplements if the infant was below 34 weeks gestation. 78% of NNUs began iron at day 28 of life. Although all NNUs used multivitamins, only 22% of hospitals routinely used folic acid supplementation. Over 50% of NNU did not use iron, folic acid or multivitamins if the infant was on exclusive formula feeds.
Conclusion: Despite being a universal tradition, results demonstrate variable practice among NNUs across England. Current use of anecdotal evidence and best guess recommendations highlights the need for collaborative multinational research to produce standardised guidelines.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ginn, E., Ahmed, M. 1034 Current Practice of Breast Milk Fortifier and Supplements in Neonatal Units Across England. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 514 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01034
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01034