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 .
Arginine supplementation prevents necrotizing enterocolitis in the premature infant.
OBJECTIVES To determine whether supplementation with L -arginine reduces the incidence of all stages of necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) in premature infants with birth weight < or = 1250 g and gestational age < or = 32 weeks . STUDY DESIGN In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 152 premature infants were prospect ively , r and omly assigned to receive either supplemental L -arginine ( 1.5 mmol/kg per day ; n = 75 [ group A ] ) or placebo ( control group ; n = 77 [ group B ] ) with oral feeds/parenteral nutrition during the first 28 days of life . Nutrient intake , plasma ammonia , arginine , and amino acid concentrations were measured in all infants at days 3 , 14 , and 28 and at the time of diagnosis of NEC . RESULTS NEC developed in 5 infants in group A compared with 21 infants in group B ( P < .001 ) . Arginine intake and plasma arginine concentrations were similar in both groups at study entry and ( as expected ) increased in group A at days 14 and 28 . Plasma arginine concentrations were lower in both groups at time of diagnosis of NEC . No significant differences in maternal and neonatal demographics , nutrient intake , plasma ammonia and total and essential amino acid concentrations were present between the two groups . CONCLUSIONS Arginine supplementation ( 1.5 mmol/kg per day ) in premature infants reduces the incidence of all stages of NEC
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 .