The Chemistry of Premature Baby Food

Introduction

Premature baby food is formula or powder that mothers give to their babies that do not breastfeed for whatever circumstance. I chose this “...” project because It has to deal with what my future will deal with. Premature baby food is so critical to a baby's health because they absolutely need those calories to grow to be a healthy baby. This “...” will affect my life in many ways in the future. As a NICU nurse you have to know exactly how much you need to provide the baby with, how many calories, and also if there's anything they might need extra in their diet.

Composition of ...

• DHA (C22H32O2)
• Lutein (C40H56O2)
• Vitamin E (C29H50O2)

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

DHA: helps with development of the brain and brain growth. this is a fatty acid that drives mostly from sugar beets, sugarcane, and by fermentation of glycerin. This is a natural substance that is found in sun tanning oil due to it’s properties to darken the skin when used. It is also an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, sperm, testicles and retina.

• How? the DHA is received while the baby is in the womb usually around 8 weeks.
• What? It is an omega 3 fatty acid that will nourish the brain. DHA can be received by the formula (enfamil or Similac) or even foods that the mother eats if the baby is still in the womb.
• When? Babies should get this around 8 weeks in the womb it would be released for nourishment.
• Why? Important for baby’s brain development.
• Where? This affects the brain and should be from formula if the baby is premature.

Vitamin E: will benefit the baby with the development as a whole. Is a nutrient found in many foods and also from the sun. It protects against free radicals which are uv rays from the sun. These free radicals could cause skin cancer and other cancerous cells. Vitamin E is important in the fact that most cells in the body use this to interact with each other and to carry out many important functions.

• How? Affects the whole system of the baby by boosting the immune system and other functions throughout the baby’s body.
• What? It is the main source of essential growth for a healthy life.
• When? The baby should receive this its entire life in the womb and in any formula.
• Why? The baby needs this for whole growth and healthy life support.
• Where? Found in formulas and in many different food sources.

Chemistry's Role

Lutein: This chemical is found in most green vegetables made naturally from light energy which they act as a modulator for the light energy. this is an important substance for the human eye as it has properties in the pigmentation of the eye.

DHA: This fatty acid derives mostly from the natural growth of sugar beets, sugarcane, and by the fermentation of glycerin. This is a natural substance that is found in sun tanning oil due to it’s properties to darken the skin when used.

Vitamin E: Is a nutrient found in many natural grown foods and from the sun as well. It protects against free radicals which are uv rays from the sun. These free radicals could cause skin cancer and other cancerous cells. Vitamin E is important in the fact that most cells in the body use this to interact with each other and to carry out many important functions.

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enfamil

everything need to know about the formula

base information on the product

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a555457/nutrition-for-premature-babies

Website with nutrition facts and information for premature babies

http://www.enfamil.com/products/enfamil-infant

The company's website for product information on anything needed to know

http://medical.gerber.com/nutrition-health-topics/neonatal-nutrition/articles/feeding-the-premature-infant-the-nicu-and-beyond

All facts on premature baby's nutritional needs and other facts or information

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