Lay summary
Nutrition is a key component of preterm babies’ care. In children born 5-8 weeks early, we will investigate whether learning, behavioural and health outcomes at 6-8 years are altered after providing smell and taste of milk before tube feeds in the days after birth. We also will determine whether small areas of brain injury commonly observed on MRI shortly after birth predicts these outcomes. In very preterm babies, nutrition is provided through their veins until they can feed, but the formulations are not ideal. Through experiments designed to determine the correct amount of vitamins and the mineral phosphate, we aim to design a new formulation that will reduce infections and improve outcomes. This research will help ensure appropriate nutritional care for preterm babies, and provide important new information on their brain development, informing appropriate follow-up. The findings will potentially save lives, reduce disability and reduce costs.