Influence of maternal and perinatal factors on macronutrient content of very preterm human milk during the first weeks after birth

Objective To identify changes in macronutrient content of very preterm human milk associated with perinatal factors. Study design Milk macronutrients were measured on weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 with mid-infrared transmission spectrometers. Result We assessed 625 samples (from 117 mothers and 130 very preterm infants). Average concentrations were: protein 1.3 +/- 0.3 g/dl, carbohydrates 7.3 +/- 0.6 g/dl, fat 3.7 +/- 1.0 g/dl and energy 296.0 +/- 41.0 kJ/dl (70.7 kcal/dl). Gestational age negatively correlated with protein (rho: -0.307, p < 0.001) and energy (r: -0.193, p = 0.003). Advanced maternal age, gestational age and intrauterine growth restriction were independently associated with milk protein content over the first 4 weeks (adjusted R-2: 0.113, p = 0.002). Conclusion These findings may help neonatologists identify patients fed Mother ' s Own Milk who are at increased risk of poor postnatal growth.