Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Fed Human Milk: A Systematic Review.
The neurodevelopmental benefits of breast milk feedings for preterm infants have been controversial. However, the effect on preterm infant neurodevelopment is sustained into childhood. The effects of breast milk feeding during the neonatal period and the duration of breastfeeding display effects on cognition into adolescence. The volume of breast milk received is a key factor in these effects. Additionally, emerging studies support the effects of human milk on structural brain development, such as increased white matter development and increased cortical thickness. The components of breast milk thought to mediate improved cognitive outcomes include long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and human milk oligosaccharides.
Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA. Electronic address: blechner@wihri.org.
Beatrice E
BE
Lechner
Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Betty R
BR
Vohr
D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development*; D002657:Child Development; D003071:Cognition; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055495:Neurogenesis
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid
Brain; Donor milk; Human milk; Neurodevelopmental; Outcomes