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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Aug 12;14(16):3305.
doi: 10.3390/nu14163305.

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

Marwyn Sowden  1 , Mirjam Maria van Weissenbruch  2 , Andre Nyandwe Hamama Bulabula  3 , Lizelle van Wyk  4 , Jos Twisk  5 , Evette van Niekerk  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Marwyn Sowden et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: feeding intolerance; necrotizing enterocolitis; neonate; probiotic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort diagram shows the screening process of participants, through enrollment up to analysis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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