What is a primary characteristic of preterm milk?

Preterm milk, or milk produced by mothers who give birth preterm, exhibits a notable characteristic of being high in protein. This increased protein content is specifically tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, who are often born with low body stores of protein and who have higher requirements for growth and development compared to full-term infants.

The protein in preterm milk aids in supporting the rapid growth and development that these infants require, particularly for their developing organs and systems. This adapted composition ensures that preterm babies receive the necessary nutrients to help them grow and thrive outside of the womb, addressing their vulnerabilities and aiding in their catch-up growth.

While preterm milk can vary in fat content, it is generally designed to provide the optimal nutritional balance, and the carbohydrate levels are typically aligned with the needs of both preterm and full-term infants. Iron content is also a nuanced topic, and while it's not necessarily low, preterm infants may require additional iron supplementation to prevent deficiencies. Therefore, the high protein characteristic stands out and is crucial to the dietary needs of preterm infants.