When the preterm baby has adjusted to extra-uterine life and is feeding there is the potential for a similar rate of growth to that which would have occurred if the baby had remained in utero. This high growth rate necessitates a ready supply of vitamins and vitamin supplements are often given.
In addition to this the majority of iron transfer from the mother occurs in the third trimester and so preterm babies are usually given iron supplements from the 8th week.
There is also the necessity for calcium and vitamin D supplements in order to prevent osteopathy of immaturity which is characterized by pathological fractures and rickets developing in the first months of life of a preterm infant.
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