Objective  To explore the application of breastfeeding combined with addition of human milk fortifier in the feeding of premature infants with very low birth weight.

  Methods  Eighty premature infants with very low birth weight in our hospital were enrolled. They were divided into control group and observation group according to the random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was fed with conventional breast milk, and observation group was added human milk fortifier. The developmental status (body length, body weight, head circumference), and serum bone metabolism indexes calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), thyroid indexes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormone (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), immune function T lymphocyte subsets (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺), serum immunoglobulin (IgA)were observed among premature infants with very low birth weight in the two groups before feeding and after 2 months of feeding.

  Results  After 2 months of feeding, the head circumference, body length and body weight and levels of serum Ca, ALP, T₄, T₃, IgA and T lymphocyte subsets of premature infants with very low birth weight were significantly increased compared with those before feeding (P < 0.05), while the P and TSH levels were decreased compared with those before feeding (P < 0.05). The changes of the above indexes in observation group were obvious than those in control group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Addition of human milk fortifier in breastfeeding can promote the growth and development and bone calcification, improve thyroid function and increase immunity of premature infants with very low birth weight.