In RCTs , pasteurized human donor milk , as opposed to formula , reduced NEC but not infections or mortality .
Pooled data of small trials and a recent large RCT suggested that bovine lactoferrin reduced rates of fungal sepsis without impact on other infections , NEC , or mortality .
Pooled data of RCTs assessing the use of prebiotic oligosaccharides found reduced infection but not mortality .
A meta- analysis sensitivity approach found multiple-strain ( but not single-strain ) probiotics to be highly effective in reducing NEC and mortality .
Thus , selected food components may help to improve outcomes in preterm infants
Observational studies demonstrating reduced rates of infections , necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) , and mortality in preterm infants fed their own mother ’s milk , as opposed to formula , have prompted endeavors to achieve similar effects with the right choice of food and food additives .
In a systematic review of meta-analyses and r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) , we considered nutritional interventions aim ed at reducing the rates of infections , NEC , or mortality in very preterm infants .
Dietary Supplementation With Medium-Chain Triglycerides Reduces Candida Gastrointestinal Colonization in Preterm Infants
Background : C and ida is an important cause of infections in premature infants . Gastrointestinal colonization with C and ida is a common site of entry for disseminated disease . The objective of this study was to determine whether a dietary supplement of medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) reduces C and ida colonization in preterm infants . Methods : Preterm infants with C and ida colonization ( n = 12 ) receiving enteral feedings of either infant formula ( n = 5 ) or breast milk ( n = 7 ) were r and omized to MCT supplementation ( n = 8) or no supplementation ( n = 4 ) . Daily stool sample s were collected to determine fungal burden during a 3-week study period . Infants in the MCT group received supplementation during 1 week of the study period . The primary outcome was fungal burden during the supplementation period as compared with the periods before and after supplementation . Results : Supplementation of MCT led to a marked increase in MCT intake relative to unsupplemented breast milk or formula as measured by capric acid content . In the treatment group , there was a significant reduction in fungal burden during the supplementation period as compared with the period before supplementation ( rate ratio , 0.15 ; P = 0.02 ) , with a significant increase after supplementation was stopped ( rate ratio , 61 ; P < 0.001 ) . Fungal burden in the control group did not show similar changes . Conclusions : Dietary supplementation with MCT may be an effective method to reduce C and ida colonization in preterm infants
In RCTs , pasteurized human donor milk , as opposed to formula , reduced NEC but not infections or mortality .
Pooled data of small trials and a recent large RCT suggested that bovine lactoferrin reduced rates of fungal sepsis without impact on other infections , NEC , or mortality .
Pooled data of RCTs assessing the use of prebiotic oligosaccharides found reduced infection but not mortality .
A meta- analysis sensitivity approach found multiple-strain ( but not single-strain ) probiotics to be highly effective in reducing NEC and mortality .
Thus , selected food components may help to improve outcomes in preterm infants
Observational studies demonstrating reduced rates of infections , necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) , and mortality in preterm infants fed their own mother ’s milk , as opposed to formula , have prompted endeavors to achieve similar effects with the right choice of food and food additives .
In a systematic review of meta-analyses and r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) , we considered nutritional interventions aim ed at reducing the rates of infections , NEC , or mortality in very preterm infants .