Unit 2: Nutritional Requirements of the Preterm Infant

Amino Acids, biologically important organic compounds composed of amine (-NH2) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups, along with a side-chain specific to each amino acid. The key elements of an amino acid are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, though other elements are found in the side-chains of certain amino acids. About 500 amino acids are known and can be classified in many ways. They can be classified according to the core structural functional groups' locations as alpha- (α-), beta- (β-), gamma- (γ-) or delta- (δ-) amino acids; other categories relate to polarity, pH level, and side-chain group type (aliphatic, acyclic, aromatic, containing hydroxyl or sulfur, etc.). In the form of proteins, amino acids comprise the second-largest component (water is the largest) of human muscles, cells and other tissues. Outside proteins, amino acids perform critical roles in processes such as neurotransmitter transport and biosynthesis.

Source: Wikipedia

American Academy of Pediatrics

Appropriate for gestational age : Describes a fetus or newborn infant whose size is within the normal range for his or her gestational age. An appropriate for gestational age full-term infant is heavier than 2,500 grams (about 5.5 lbs.) and lighter than 4,000 grams (about 8.75 lbs.)

Source: MedlinePlus

α-linoleic acid: an essential omega-3 fatty acid and organic compound found in seeds (chia, flaxseed), nuts (notably walnuts), and many common vegetable oils. In terms of its structure, it is named all-cis-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid.

Source: Wikipedia

Acceptable range of intakes: range of intakes where physiological requirement of the nutrient is met without causing damage

Arachidonic acid: (AA, sometimes ARA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid 20:4(ω-6). It is the counterpart to the saturated arachidic acid found in peanut oil, (L. arachis - peanut.)

Source: Wikipedia