Table 1 Recommended intakes for macro and micronutrients [1–4]

Energy, Kcal

-

A reasonable range of energy intake for healthy growing preterm infants with adequate protein intake is 110 to 135 kcal*kg^-1*day^-1

Protein, g (VLBW)

3,3 - 3,6

Protein supply needs to compensate for the accumulated protein deficit observed in almost all small preterm infants.The quality of the provided protein may interfere with the recommended intake because the infant does not require proteins but requires specific aminoacids. Whey predominant protein with reduced glycomacropeptide and α-actalbumin enrichment could be used to optimize the amino acid profile.

Protein, g (ELBW)

3,6 - 4,1

Carbohydrates, g

10,5 - 12

According to the relatively reduced intestinal lactase activity, the lactose content could be relatively reduced and replaced by glucose polymers with the characteristic of maintaining the low osmolality of the formulas.

Lipids, g

4,4 - 6

In order to improve fat absorption, an important quota of fat could be given as medium-chain triglycerides with a maximum of 30–40% of lipid content.

Calcium, mg

110 - 130

The calcium to phosphorus ratio (1,5 – 2) may be an important determinant of calcium absorption and retention.

Phosphate, mg

55 - 80

Iron, g

1,7 - 2,7

Iron is essential for brain development, and prevention of iron deficiency is important. Prophylactic enteral iron supplementation (given as a separate iron supplement) should be started at 2 to 6 weeks of age (2–4 weeks in extremely-low-birth- weight infants) and should be continued after discharge, at least until 6 to 12 months of age depending on diet.