Columbus, OH - Most preemies will spend the first few weeks of their lives in the hospital, and the key to sending them home healthy may have a lot to do with their diets.

A new study says preemies need protein, and the sooner the better.

A new study shows one of the best ways to put weight on a baby is to give them protein, starting the day they're born.

Researchers studied preemies for more than three years and found that giving them an IV of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, dramatically improved their weight.

The problem is, with all the other issues facing these babies, some doctors put nutrition on the back burner, giving them only sugar water in the first hours after they're born.

For more information go  to http://www.mediasourcetv.com/rp/wp-content/uploads/proteinforpreemiesmediarelease.pdf.