Bone mineralization in preterm infants

In preterm neonates a large skeletal mineral deficit builds up between birth and 40 wk postconception. During the phase of catch-up growth between 40 and 60 wk postconception there is a catch-up in peripheral skeletal mineralization, so that by the age of 1 y the skeletal mineral content is similar in preterm and term infants, despite the former being smaller, a finding that has been replicated for lumbar spinal mineralization. Later follow-up studies suggest that this catch-up persists and mineralization remains appropriate for body size. However, given the continuing abnormal growth experience of former preterm individuals, it would still be important to examine their bone mineralization in early adulthood. A number of interventions can improve perinatal bone mineralization, but few studies examine their long-term effectiveness. One such study has suggested that a relatively poor mineral diet in this period is, counterintuitively, associated with a later advantage in skeletal mineralization. If this finding is repeatable, then it could result in a major change in nutrition strategy in the neonatal period.