Diet and Nutrient Intake in Young Adults Born Preterm at Very Low Birth Weight

Objective: To assess dietary intake in young adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW) (≤ 1500 g).

Study Design: We studied 151 young adults aged 19-27 years who were born at VLBW and 156 term-born controls, group-matched for age, sex, and birth hospital. Participants completed a 3-day food record, which was checked by a nutritionist. Food and nutrient intakes were calculated with use of a dietary analysis program. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, height, living at parental home, daily smoking, and highest parental education.

Results: Compared with controls, VLBW subjects had lower mean (SD) daily intake of vegetables, fruits, and berries (183 [150] g vs 241 [168] g, P = .002] and milk products (343 [242] g vs 427 [316] g, P = .003). Energy intake from carbohydrates, protein, and fat was similar, as was salt intake. VLBW participants had lower daily intake of calcium (858 [389] mg vs 1080 [514] mg, P < .0001), vitamin D (3.7 [2.6] μg vs 4.4 [3.6] μg, P = .02), and cholesterol (189 [74] mg vs 227 [105] mg, P = .002], whereas intake of essential fatty acids was higher (4.3 [1.5] mg vs 4.0 [1.5] mg, P = .01).

Conclusions: Lower consumption of vegetables, fruits, berries, and milk products combined with lower calcium and vitamin D intake in VLBW participants offers a target for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases in persons of VLBW.