The Effect of a Chronobiological Feeding Model on Growth Parameters and Length of Hospitalization in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background and Purpose: Preterm infants are born before the 37th gestational week and need prompt nutrition. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour cycle regulated by endogenous molecules. Human milk contains different biological peptides at different times within this cycle. Chrononutrition is a feeding model that is adjusted to match the biological clock of the individual. This study tests chrononutrition as a superior feeding model in preterm infants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the chronobiological feeding model on growth parameters and discharge time among preterm infants. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between October 2021 and March 2022, randomized preterm infants to receive either chrononutrition (study group = 45) or standard feeding (control group = 46), and used the infant's follow-up form for data collection. Results: Among 91 neonates, the median gestational age was 33 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 2,100 g. Demographic findings and growth parameters showed no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Weight gain and percentile measurements at discharge were statistically significantly higher in the study group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). Discharge time was statistically significantly lower after full enteral feeding and hospitalization time was shorter in the study group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The chronobiological feeding model showcased significant positive effects on anthropometrics and percentile measurements at discharge and led to a 2-day reduction in the length of hospital stay.