Rx Note

Introduction Human milk is the preferred source of nutrition for almost all neonates and infants, including those born prematurely. Major infant formula companies continuously change their products to more closely mimic the composition of human milk and to improve nutrient delivery to infants with a variety of medical conditions. Formula choice depends on many factors including age, GI function, previous tolerance or intolerance to ingredients, nutritional requirements and various disease or conditions present. Ideally, infant formula should be given to an infant only when there is a medical indication such as clinical evidence of insufficient intake (especially excessive weight loss) or the mother is infected HIV or has active tuberculosis . Formula Selection Preterm infants have higher protein and calorie requirements. In addition, they need more calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus (minerals transferred in utero during the third trimester). These special requirements led to the ...