Premature babies: Study finds brain growth affected by infant diet

UK researchers found that preterm infants who were fed enriched formulamilk in their first weeks went on to outperform other premature babiesin IQ tests. The study, carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital forChildren and the UCL Institute of Child Health, and published in nextmonth's Paediatric Research, brings some of the first proof that earlyfeeding may alter brain structure.

Dr Elizabeth Isaacs, senior research fellow at the ICH, explained,'Using cognitive data and MRI scans from a group of formerly preterminfants, now adolescents, we've been able to show that their early diethas affected not only their IQ scores but also the size of a structurein the brain that has been associated with IQ before.'

Babies in the study were fed either standard formula or a versionenriched with protein during their first four weeks.

It is not yet clear whether the findings only relate to prematurebabies, or have wider implication for those born full-term.

A spokesperson for the premature baby charity Bliss, welcoming theresearch, said, 'These findings could have an influence on currentthinking about how, when and what to feed premature infants.'

'The care that premature babies receive in their first few hours anddays of life is crucial and will shape their future development andquality of life. Anything that improves outcomes for these vulnerablebabies is very welcome.'