What is the goal of minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) for preemies?

The goal of minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) for preterm infants is primarily to keep the gut healthy and active. This practice involves providing small amounts of enteral feedings to stimulate gastrointestinal activity and promote maturation of the gut without overloading it. By doing so, MEN helps to maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining and encourages the development of a healthy microbiome, which is crucial for the overall health of the infant.

While other options might contribute to the overall care of preemies, they do not capture the primary intent of MEN. For instance, maximum caloric intake and rapid weight gain are often secondary goals that would be addressed as the infant progresses to more significant feeding volumes. Similarly, while promoting fat absorption is important, it is primarily a concern in the context of complete enteral feeding rather than the minimal approach aimed at stimulating gut function. Thus, maintaining gut health remains the foundational objective of MEN in preterm care.