Early Probiotic Supplementation Reduces Mortality and Improves Feeding in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants

Recent research highlights the significant benefits of probiotic supplementation for extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) preterm infants, showing that early administration (within 14 days of birth) can notably reduce overall mortality and mortality linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS). A study of 330 infants revealed that those receiving early probiotics achieved full enteral feeding faster and experienced lower mortality rates compared to those who received probiotics later or not at all. These findings underscore the importance of establishing standardized guidelines for probiotic use in neonatal care to enhance outcomes and improve gut health in preterm infants.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/17/2995