Introduction
NEC, breast milk
Globally, around 1.6% of births are at <32 weeks’ gestation (very preterm infant (VPTI)).Mother’s own breast milk (MOM) is associated with lower rates of LOS, NEC and mortalityLactoferrin is an abundant milk glycoprotein, present in high concentrations in colostrumIn 2017, meta-analysis of randomised control trials (RCTs) of lactoferrin supplementation included six trials (886 participants) and gave a number needed to treat to prevent one case of LOS of 17 (95% CI 10 to 50), but quality was evaluated as low.The ELFIN trial (Enteral Lactoferrin In Neonates) assessed the clinical impact of supplemental bovine lactoferrin (150 mg/kg/day) compared with placebo, until 34 weeks postmenstrual age,