NICU feeding regimen
The 'NICU feeding regimen' is not a dish, but a specialized medical nutrition plan for premature or critically ill newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It typically consists of human milk (often donor or mother's own milk) fortified with a multi-nutrient supplement, or specialized preterm infant formula, administered via tube or bottle in precise, frequent feedings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This regimen is designed for maximum nutrient density and digestibility, being very high in protein and calories relative to volume to support rapid growth. It provides a balanced mix of fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals tailored to a newborn's unique metabolic needs.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 9 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin D | 80 IU |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Folate | 25 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 200 IU |
| Vitamin E | 2 IU |
Per One fortified feeding (approximately 60 mL) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The composition of a NICU feeding regimen is dynamically adjusted based on the infant's daily weight gain, lab work, and clinical status, making it a highly personalized form of precision nutrition from the very first days of life.
