Sodium intake and preterm babies.

CURRENT TOPIC Sodium intake and preterm babies Neena Modi How much sodium do preterm babies need and when should sodium supplementation start? Sodium is required to maintain extracellular tonicity and positive sodium balance is a prerequisite of growth. However, for most preterm babies, growth is unlikely during the first days after birth, as overall nutritional intake is limited. The primary aim of nutritional management, during this time, should be to provide an energy intake sufficient to minimise tissue breakdown. Total energy expenditure in stable, non-growing preterm babies in the first few days after birth varies widely around 84-168 kJ (20-40 kcal)Ikglday. l Many infants do not even receive such a minimum intake in this time.