Minimal enteral feedings.

The provision of early minimal enteral nutrition to the metabolically stable premature infant appears to result in multiple nutritional benefits and in a minimal risk of complications. Whereas benefits can be achieved with feeding volumes ranging from 0.1 to 4 mL/kg, future studies will need to address the responses of the immune system, the circulatory system, and motor activity of the intestine to various feeding regimens before pragmatic recommendations can be concluded.