Supplementation of probiotics to very low birth weight (VLBW) infants has been extensively studied, with multiple meta-analyses reporting probiotics decrease the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and death. Despite availability of this evidence, the decision to initiate routine probiotic supplementation to preterm infants continues to be a complex one. There are uncertainties regarding the use of probiotics, including selecting the appropriate product, dose and target population. Additionally, availability of specific probiotic products and regulatory oversight varies by country, raising concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of specific probiotic products. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence on probiotic use in preterm infants and discuss considerations that may help guide clinicians who are considering routine probiotic supplementation.
Keywords: Infant; Microbiome; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Neonate; Preterm; Probiotics; Sepsis.
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