Impact of Currently Recommended Postnatal Nutrition on Neonatal Body Composition

Babies born premature weigh significantly less at the time of hospital discharge when
compared to babies born at the corresponding age. The researchers in this study believe that
the lower body weight at discharge may be due to lower muscle mass. However, there is no
such information available for that at this time. It is important to have this information
as babies who weigh less than normal at hospital discharge may develop higher blood pressure
and higher sugar levels when they are 10-15 years old.

By doing this study, researchers will be able to have information about the baby's muscle
mass, which will help the researchers to provide better nutrition to babies who are born
premature. Researchers will also be able to determine if there are any differences in the
muscle/fat mass based on the type of feeding (breast milk alone, formula alone or a
combination of breast milk and formula). This information may be beneficial in helping to
promote the appropriate type of feeding for babies born premature.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Newborns <32 weeks gestational age, singleton or multiple gestation

- 34-36 weeks gestational age newborns

- Term healthy infants from uncomplicated pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

- Babies with life threatening illness unlikely to survive

- Congenital and chromosomal anomalies