The Preemie Growth Project

Sharing Vital Information About Nutritional Issues for Premature Babies & Special Needs Children


Study

About The Original Project
The Preemie Growth Project Inc. (a non-profit organization whose mission is to benefit premature infants) conducted a preliminary study to determine if premature infants could “catch up” in two-to-six months using early trace-mineral supplementation. The study built on established research by a host of noted authorities, and was initiated because two 4-lb preemie twins “caught up” by four months actual/two months adjusted, at a cost of only $20 per child.

Expected results from the study were increased survival rates, and earlier-than-expected achievement of growth and developmental milestones. These were seen in all babies who participated. Part of the project’s hypothesis was that the earlier the intervention, the better the results.

Eligible infants were those who were born prior to 37 weeks’ gestation or born at less than 2,500g; had been released from hospital care; were under one year of age at time of entrance into the project; and lived in either Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw or Livingston Counties.

The cost to participants was zero.