Nation IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : Nutrient Aids Babies Born Prematurely

Giving premature infants a nutrient found in breast milk can significantly reduce their risk of lung and eye damage, both of which are frequent complications of being born too soon, researchers have found. The nutrient, a sugar alcohol called inositol, was added to the feeding of premature babies born with respiratory distress syndrome. The doctors said they believe that inositol should be added to nutrients during the first week of life when premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome are fed intravenously, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine.