RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Avoiding postnatal undernutrition of VLBW infants during neonatal intensive care: evidence and personal view in the absence of evidence JF Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition JO Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health SP F76 OP F81 DO 10.1136/archdischild-2014-306195 VO 100 IS 1 A1 Christoph Maas A1 Christian F Poets A1 Axel R Franz YR 2015 UL http://fn.bmj.com/content/100/1/F76.abstract AB Inadequate nutrient intakes in the first postnatal weeks play a crucial role in the aetiology of postnatal growth restriction of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Efforts to improve early nutrition in these infants led to a significant reduction in postnatal growth failure. Initiation of enhanced parenteral nutrition immediately after birth and utilisation of the large potential of early enteral nutrition seem pivotal. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to further reduce the initial drop in weight and head circumference z-score and to improve body composition and linear growth. This review will summarise data on how near-fetal postnatal weight gain in VLBW infants can be achieved and makes suggestions for early nutrition of VLBW infants.