There are also studies which suggest results to the
contrary. Cooper et al [9], compared growth of a group
of VLBW infants fed a formula specifically developed
for such infants with another group fed expressed breast
milk. Weight gain was faster in the formula-fed infants
after a caloric intake of 100 kcal/kg/day was achieved.
Increments in head circumference and skin fold thickness
were also greater in the formula-fed group. In another
study by the same authors, VLBW infants fed premature
formula had significantly greater weight increments and
length increments than those on own mother’s milk [10].
Other studies [11,12], observed that preterm infants fed
with preterm formula had better weight gain as compared
to those fed with preterm milk. But even in their studies
preterm infants who were fed with preterm milk had
weight gain that approximated to intrauterine standards,
whereas infants fed with formula had weight gain that
crossed the intrauterine growth standards. Tudehope et
al [12] reported weight gain of 13.2 gm/kg/day in preterm
milk fed infants and 18 gm/kg/day in formula fed infants.
Considering the long term adverse affects-obesity,
hypertension and diabetes associated with formula feeding [13-16], this accelerated weight gain may be
detrimental to the LBW preterm infant.