Nutrients (Aug 2022)

Effect of a Multi-Strain Probiotic on the Incidence and Severity of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Feeding Intolerances in Preterm Neonates

  • Marwyn Sowden,
  • Mirjam Maria van Weissenbruch,
  • Andre Nyandwe Hamama Bulabula,
  • Lizelle van Wyk,
  • Jos Twisk,
  • Evette van Niekerk

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163305
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 16
p. 3305

Abstract

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Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a multifactorial disease, causing inflammation of the bowel. The exact root of NEC is still unknown, but a low weight and gestational age at birth are known causes. Furthermore, antibiotic use and abnormal bacterial colonization of the premature gut are possible causes. Premature neonates often experience feeding intolerances that disrupts the nutritional intake, leading to poor growth and neurodevelopmental impairment. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic formulation (LabinicTM) on the incidence and severity of NEC and feeding intolerances in preterm neonates. Results: There were five neonates in the placebo group who developed NEC (Stage 1A–3B), compared to no neonates in the probiotic group. Further, the use of probiotics showed a statistically significant reduction in the development of feeding intolerances, p < 0.001. Conclusion: A multi-strain probiotic is a safe and cost-effective way of preventing NEC and feeding intolerances in premature neonates.

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