Human milk supplementation for preterm infants.

Nutrition support of the premature infant must be designed to compensate for metabolic and gastrointestinal immaturity, immunologic compromise, and associated medical conditions. The beneficial effects of human milk extend to the feeding of premature infants. However, nutritional concerns arise because the quantity of nutrients in human milk may not meet the great nutrient needs of the premature infant born weighing less than 1500 g. Human milk fortifiers are available to provide optimum nutrition. This review summarizes the benefits and limitations of human milk for the premature infant.