Abstract Objective To explore the effect of feeding initiation with different formulas on the growth, development, and feeding tolerance in very low birth weight infants. Methods A total of 86 preterm infants with a gestational age of < 34 weeks and a birth weight of < 1 500 g were divided into three groups according to their feeding initiation formulas:standard preterm formula feeding group (SPF group; n=31), extensively hydrolyzed protein formula feeding group (eHF group; n=27), and breastfeeding group (control group; n=28). Comparisons were made between the groups in terms of growth indices, feeding condition, blood biochemistry, length of hospital stay, and incidence rates of feeding intolerance, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR). Results There were no significant differences among the above three groups in body weight, head circumference, and rate of increase in body length measured during hospitalization, as well as length of hospital stay and EUGR incidence rate at discharge (P > 0.05). The SPF and eHF groups had a significantly shorter transition time from meconium to yellow stool than the control group (P < 0.01). The SPF group had a significantly shorter time to standard enteral feeding than the eHF and control groups (P < 0.01), with no significant difference observed between the latter two groups. The SPF group had a significantly lower serum prealbumin level than the eHF and control groups (P < 0.01). The SPF and eHF groups had a significantly higher hemoglobin level at discharge than the control group (P < 0.01). The percentage of eosinophils at discharge was significantly lower in the eHF group than in the SPF group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found among the three groups regarding the incidence rates of feeding intolerance, sepsis, and NEC (P > 0.05). Conclusions Both eHF and SPF can be used for feeding initiation for very low birth weight preterm infants with a gestational age of < 34 weeks without increasing the incidence rate of EUGR.
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