Y ahora, si es preciso aumentar el contenido en energía y nutrientes en la alimentación de un lactante, ¿qué debo emplear?

Abstract

Some infant needs to increase the caloric and/or protein content in her feedings, in order to sustain energy and nutrient requirements. Lastly, this goal was achieved by strengthening infant formula o by the use of nutrient modules. Despite of its current use there are scarce references. In the last few years, hypercaloric hyperproteic polymeric formulas for infants have been developed. Presented as ready to use they provide a higher amount of energy and protein without modifying the nutritional profile of infant formulas, and with a minimal increase is osmolality. Currently, they represent the first step to enrich infant feeding. Nutrient modules are therefore used in case of intolerance or in patients with inborn errors of metabolism. A difficult question is how to enrich feedings in a breast-fed infant. There are no available specific supplements for breast milk except those for preterms. In the paper we review several alternatives (use of modules, alternate breast milk and hypercaloric formulas, etc.). Both hypercaloric hyperproteic formulas and modules are reimbursed by the National Health System in Spain, and can be used as outpatients. In conclusion, there are available a good number of products to be used in order to enrich the quality of an infant diet with special needs. Each clinical scenario precise an individualized approach.