Enteral administration of a simulated amniotic fluid in preventing feeding intolerance in very low birthweight neonates: A randomized controlled trial

•Feeding intolerance is a common finding in preterm neonates.•Enteral administration of different forms of amniotic fluid has been tried in the treatment of feeding intolerance in high-risk neonates.•Simulated amniotic fluid is a solution with a similar electrolyte composition to human amniotic fluid.•The smooth transition in the process of gastrointestinal maturation perinatally might be attributed to the existence of intestinal trophic factors and bioactive peptides that are common in both amniotic fluid and human milk•The simulated amniotic fluid group reached significantly larger volume and higher calories on days 3 and 7 (P < 0.05 for all).