Sudha Sairam
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, IndiaPresentation Title:
Nurturing the start: adequacy of nutrition support in neonatal ICUs
Abstract
Introduction: Adequate nutrition is fundamental for the neonatal period for optimal growth, development and long-term health outcomes. Neonates admitted to Intensive Care Units (NICUs), face unique challenges due to physiological immaturity, frequent morbidities, and increased metabolic demands.
Objective: The study provides evidence on neonatal nutritional requirements, modes of delivery and challenges, highlighting strategies for optimal nutrition support.
Methods: Review of scientific evidence from research studies and original prospective observational study across NICUs in tertiary care hospitals including neonates admitted to the NICUs. Data on growth factors, daily caloric and protein intake, nutrition support, and birth weight were collected. The recommended guidelines for caloric and protein intake was employed as an indicator of adequate nutritional status.
Results: Evidence shows that early nutrition support, including parenteral and enteral, along with mother’s milk, FHM or premature formula is effective in improving the growth. The results of prospective study showed 55% neonates were LBW, showed significant nutritional deficiencies particularly in caloric, protein and vitamin intake. About 71% of subjects lost an average of 65g during 5 days hospitalization, received 54.86 kcals and 0.63 g protein/kg/day far below the recommendations of 110 Kcal/kg and 2 g/kg respectively. There is need to reassess feeding practices in NICUs, formula feeding over exclusive breastfeeding. Inadequate nutrition was linked to longer ICU stays, lower birth weights, and higher hospitalization rates, emphasizing the better compliance with nutritional guidelines in neonatal care.
Conclusion: Inadequate nutrition during critical early stages of life may experience significant delays in growth and developmental milestones. Specialized nutritional support, identifying neonates at risk of malnutrition requires multidisciplinary approach involving neonatologists, dietitians, and nurses.
Biography
Sudha Sairam,
currently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition &
Dietetics, JSS Academy of Higher
Education & Research,
Mysore, India. Completed PhD in Food, Science & Nutrition from University of Mysore. Has over 16
years of research and academic experiences serving as Research Fellow and Guest
Faculty at University of Mysore-Mysore, as BBSRC-IPA Fellow at University of
Manchester, Manchester, Research Scientist
at St. Johns Research Institute, Bangalore. Secured National
Level Excellence Award in Category “Academic
Achievements in Nutrition-2025” award from India Association for Parenteral
and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN). Has served as Committee Member
in the state & national
level committees to evaluate Mid-Day Meal scheme and
Anganwadi Training Centres constituted by MHRD, Women & Child Welfare Department, GOI. Serving as EC Member of
Indian Dietetics Association-Mysore Chapter. She has published over 23 papers
in reputed journals, has delivered lectures and presented papers at over 64
events, securing 10 Best research paper awards. Area of interest are Clinical
Nutrition, Maternal & Child Nutrition, Traditional/Functional foods and Nutraceuticals. Actively involved in nutrition education and intervention of target population and at community
level
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