Transitional nutrition for very low birth weight infants in neonatal intensive care units: Where do we stand now?

The role of nutrition in managing preterm infants, particularly those classified as very low birth weight (VLBW), is pivotal. Optimal nutrition is vital, as early growth deficits and inadequate neonatal nourishment have been linked to significant long-term developmental issues. In the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), tailored nutritional interventions are necessary to meet the unique dietary needs of these infants. Despite advances in neonatal nutrition, gaps remain in understanding the ideal composition and duration of parenteral nutrition, the process of transitioning to enteral feeding, and the need for breast milk augmentation. This review explores current insights and methodologies in the nutritional management of VLBW infants during the critical transition phase. It addresses existing challenges, recent progress, and future directions in enhancing nutritional care for these at-risk infants, aiming to improve outcomes.