Postnatal growth, neurodevelopment and altered adiposity after preterm birth—from a clinical nutrition perspective

Abstract

Evidence reveals a dilemma that under-nutrition and growth retardation during brain growth are associated with neurodevelopmental deficits, and nutritional supplement resulting in catch-up growth and relative visceral adiposity leads to metabolic/cardiovascular morbidities. Hyperinsulinaemia secondary to insulin resistance appears to play a central role in the development of visceral adiposity through its action on adipocyte beta3-adrenoceptor. Optimal nutritional management to minimize hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance may potentially improve neurodevelopment and facilitate catch-up growth with normal body composition.