Advanced Approaches in Nutrition Research for the Preterm Infant

Dear Colleagues,

Optimal nutritional delivery for the preterm infant has the potential for a multisystem impact unlike any drug. Nutrition and its nutrient composition directly influence growth, organogenesis, and immune development. In this era of Neonatology and advancing scientific technologies, research questions must go beyond macronutrients and calories and address the gaps in our knowledge to define the term "optimal nutrition" across the developmental spectrum and context specificity. It is likely that a 22–23-week preterm infant has different and unique needs from a 32-week preterm infant. It is also likely that an infant with profound morbidities of the lung, eye, or brain will require additional unique considerations for ongoing recovery and function. Finally, it is likely that the composition of the diet will have to be adjusted or supplemented to meet the needs across time and injury. 

To begin this journey of a new era of nutrition research in neonatology, this issue will highlight topics that:

• deconstruct the longitudinal compositional elements of amniotic fluid and human milk to highlight nutrient needs across development and injury/illness
• implement novel imaging and laboratory methods to understand nutrient-driven biology
• biomarkers of nutritional attainment and efficacy
• develop statistical and bioinformatic tools to meaningfully disentangle the biological meaning behind vast -omic data

Neonatology is still a young field but is advancing rapidly in discovery and in the level of critical care that can be provided to extremely premature infants. The science behind our bedside practices must match this pace to ensure the best outcomes possible for this vulnerable population. Advancing the most fundamental practice, providing sustenance, must be one of them. 

Prof. Dr. Camilia Martin
Dr. Misty L. Good
Prof. Dr. Cynthia L. Blanco
Dr. Kara L. Calkins
Dr. Daniel T. Robinson
Dr. Sarah N. Taylor
Guest Editors

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