Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

Objective . This review aimed to investigate the relationship between varying levels of enteral protein intake and growth in preterm infants, regardless of feeding method. Data Sources . Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies, as were review articles, reference lists, and text books...

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Main Authors: Emma L. Tonkin BND (Hons), Carmel T. Collins PhD, Jacqueline Miller PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2014-10-01
Series:Global Pediatric Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X14554698
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author Emma L. Tonkin BND (Hons)
Carmel T. Collins PhD
Jacqueline Miller PhD
author_facet Emma L. Tonkin BND (Hons)
Carmel T. Collins PhD
Jacqueline Miller PhD
author_sort Emma L. Tonkin BND (Hons)
collection DOAJ
description Objective . This review aimed to investigate the relationship between varying levels of enteral protein intake and growth in preterm infants, regardless of feeding method. Data Sources . Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies, as were review articles, reference lists, and text books. Study Selection . Trials were included if they were randomized or quasirandomized, participants were <37 weeks gestation at birth, and protein intakes were intentionally or statistically different between study groups. Trials reporting weight, length, and head circumference gains in infants fed formula, human milk, or fortified human milk were included. Data Extraction . Studies were categorized by feeding-type and relevant data were extracted into summary tables by one reviewer and cross-checked by a second. Data Synthesis . A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to extensive variability among studies; thus, results were synthesized graphically and narratively. Twenty-four trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in a narrative synthesis and 19 in a graphical synthesis of study results. Conclusions . There was extensive variability in study design, participant characteristics, and study quality. Nonetheless, results are fairly consistent that higher protein intake results in increased growth with graphical representation indicating a potentially linear relationship. Additionally, intakes as high as 4.5 g/kg/day were shown to be safe in infants weighing >1000 g.
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spelling doaj.art-43c73579c4874cc590dee43cbeab1d5a2022-12-22T01:01:19ZengSAGE PublishingGlobal Pediatric Health2333-794X2014-10-01110.1177/2333794X1455469810.1177_2333794X14554698Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic ReviewEmma L. Tonkin BND (Hons)0Carmel T. Collins PhD1Jacqueline Miller PhD2Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute, Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.FOODplus Research Centre and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaFlinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaObjective . This review aimed to investigate the relationship between varying levels of enteral protein intake and growth in preterm infants, regardless of feeding method. Data Sources . Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies, as were review articles, reference lists, and text books. Study Selection . Trials were included if they were randomized or quasirandomized, participants were <37 weeks gestation at birth, and protein intakes were intentionally or statistically different between study groups. Trials reporting weight, length, and head circumference gains in infants fed formula, human milk, or fortified human milk were included. Data Extraction . Studies were categorized by feeding-type and relevant data were extracted into summary tables by one reviewer and cross-checked by a second. Data Synthesis . A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to extensive variability among studies; thus, results were synthesized graphically and narratively. Twenty-four trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in a narrative synthesis and 19 in a graphical synthesis of study results. Conclusions . There was extensive variability in study design, participant characteristics, and study quality. Nonetheless, results are fairly consistent that higher protein intake results in increased growth with graphical representation indicating a potentially linear relationship. Additionally, intakes as high as 4.5 g/kg/day were shown to be safe in infants weighing >1000 g.https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X14554698
spellingShingle Emma L. Tonkin BND (Hons)
Carmel T. Collins PhD
Jacqueline Miller PhD
Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
Global Pediatric Health
title Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
title_full Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
title_short Protein Intake and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
title_sort protein intake and growth in preterm infants a systematic review
url https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X14554698
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