Nutrient deficiencies in the premature infant.

Premature infants are a population prone to nutrient deficiencies. Because the early diet of these infants is entirely amenable to intervention, understanding the pathophysiology behind these deficiencies is important for both the neonatologists who care for them acutely and for pediatricians who are responsible for their care through childhood. This article reviews the normal accretion of nutrients in the fetus, discusses specific nutrient deficiencies that are exacerbated in the postnatal period, and identifies key areas for future research.