Personalized Nutrition for the Preterm Infant

Dear Colleagues,

Preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants, are an exceptionally vulnerable and fragile population. The vast majority of preterm neonates develop extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) by the time of discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. Promoting adequate growth is therefore a central task of the neonatologist, since early postnatal growth has been consistently associated with short- and, even more importantly, long-term neurocognitive outcomes. Growth trajectories in preterm infants are influenced by numerous pre- and perinatal factors, among which nutrition plays a major and modifiable role.

A “one-size-fits-all” approach is not appropriate, as “preterm” encompasses a very broad category: a late preterm infant cannot be managed nutritionally in the same way as an extremely preterm infant. This Special Issue of Nutrients will focus on personalized nutrition in preterm infants, including individualized strategies for both parenteral and enteral nutrition, and post-discharge feeding.

We welcome all contributions, particularly studies with clear translational value and impact on clinical practice, with our goal being to advance predictive, preventive, and truly personalized nutrition for preterm infants.

Dr. Maria Di Chiara
Guest Editor

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