[New aspects of the feeding of the newborn and young infant (author's transl)].

A classification of formulas with defined compositions of their nutritive substances into 3 groups has been made in the Federal Republic of Germany with the objective to achieve a standardization. It is differentiated between adapted, partially adapted, and non-adapted formulas. As defined, the composition of adapted formulas is closest to human milk. Since adapted formulas are thought to be of physiological value, one is surprised by the fact, that shortly after discharge from the maternity hospital partially adapted or nonadapted formulas are favoured by a high percentage (of mothers). The reasons for this are analyzed. By the end of the third month of life the premature infant is depending on the administration of iron. At this time signs of a more or less latent iron deficiency are developing. In the full term infant this condition will be reached approximately by the age of six months. Since iron-salts may interfere with the vitamin E supply in the premature infant, one should either administer a water soluble vitamin E preparation or the necessary iron prophylaxis should be started in these children only in the third month of life.