[Research progress on the effect of breastfeeding on the appropriate catch-up growth of premature infants].

Rapid catch-up growth in preterm infants benefits nervous system development yet elevates the risk of multiple health complications, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Breastfeeding facilitates physical development and improves multi-system physiological functions in preterm infants, while effectively mitigating the adverse health outcomes caused by excessive catch-up growth. This review systematically summarizes the current patterns of catch-up growth among preterm infants and explores the potential mechanisms by which breastfeeding modulates appropriate catch-up growth in preterm infants from the perspectives of physical growth, neurodevelopment and intestinal flora regulation. The findings of this review provide theoretical references and practical guidance for formulating personalized breastfeeding regimens and implementing targeted breastfeeding interventions for preterm infants. Ultimately, this study aims to improve the survival rate and quality of life of preterm infants and support their scientific, efficient and safe catch-up growth.