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 .
Zinc supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality in very-low-birth-weight preterm neonates: a hospital-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial in an industrialized country.
BACKGROUND Zinc plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of many diseases and in body growth . Preterm neonates have high zinc requirements . OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in reducing morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates and to promote growth . DESIGN This was a prospect i ve , double-blind , r and omized controlled study of very-low-birth-weight preterm neonates r and omly allocated on the seventh day of life to receive ( zinc group ) or not receive ( control group ) oral zinc supplementation . Total prescribed zinc intake ranged from 9.7 to 10.7 mg/d in the zinc group and from 1.3 to 1.4 mg/d in the placebo control group . The main endpoint was the rate of neonates with ≥ 1 of the following morbidities : late-onset sepsis , necrotizing enterocolitis , bronchopulmonary dysplasia , periventricular leucomalacia , and retinopathy of prematurity . Secondary outcomes were mortality and body growth . RESULTS We enrolled 97 neonates in the zinc group and 96 in the control group .  Morbidities were significantly lower in the zinc group ( 26.8 % compared with 41.7 % ; P = 0.030 ) . The occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis was significantly higher in the control group ( 6.3 % compared with 0 % ; P = 0.014 ) . Mortality risk was higher in the placebo control group ( RR : 2.37 ; 95 % CI : 1.08 , 5.18 ; P = 0.006 ) . Daily weight gain was similar in the zinc ( 18.2 ± 5.6 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹ ) and control ( 17.0 ± 8.7 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹ ) groups ( P = 0.478 ) . CONCLUSION Oral zinc supplementation given at high doses reduces morbidities and mortality in preterm neonates . This trial was registered in the Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trial Register as ACTRN12612000823875
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 .