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New Study Shows Reduced Cases of NEC in Premature Infants with Exclusive Human Milk Diets

Researchers have unveiled compelling evidence that an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) can greatly reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, particularly those born at very low birth weights (VLBW). Published in the journal Advances in Neonatal Care, this independent study presents notable findings that may change neonatal care practices.

The research was conducted by a team led by Lydia Harris, DNP, RN, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. It focused on VLBW infants, born before 32 weeks of gestation and weighing less than 1,250 grams. A total of 201 preterm infants were observed, with 105 receiving an EHMD and 96 fed a protocol based on cow milk.

Key Findings of the Study

• - The mortality rate in the EHMD group was just 1%, substantially lower than the 6% observed in the cow milk-based group.
• - NEC was diagnosed in only 4.8% of the EHMD group, compared to 10.55% in the cow milk-fed infants.
• - Infants on the EHMD showed improved weight gain during hospitalization.
• - The introduction of the EHMD led to an impressive cost saving of approximately $868,000 when compared to the previous three-year cow milk-based protocol.

These findings advocate for the prioritization of human milk in the feeding of vulnerable preterm infants. According to Harris, “Very low birth weight infants should only receive bovine-based formula if the mother's expressed breast milk or pasteurized donor milk is not available.” This suggests a pressing need for medical teams to adopt human milk as the first-line nutrition for these infants, rather than relying on formulas derived from cow milk.

Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis

NEC primarily affects premature newborns, leading to inflammation of intestinal tissues, which can be fatal. The condition can result in severe complications such as infection or the need for surgical intervention due to intestinal perforation. The mortality rate from NEC in the smallest preemies can be as high as 50%, emphasizing the critical nature of the current research.

The study bolsters the growing body of evidence that a diet consisting entirely of human milk reduces not only the instances of NEC but other neonatal complications as well. Dr. Melinda Elliott, Chief Medical Officer at Prolacta, stated, “The findings reinforce what numerous studies have shown — implementing a human milk-based feeding protocol not only enhances outcomes for premature infants but also proves to be financially beneficial for hospitals due to reduced complications.”

Implications for Future Care

The results of the Harris study underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare education regarding the need for EHMD protocols across NICUs. The evidence advocates for systemic changes in neonatal nutrition, highlighting that exclusive human milk-based diets can significantly improve both health outcomes and hospital expenses for one of the most at-risk populations in healthcare.

The research was conducted independently of Prolacta Bioscience, the world leader in providing 100% human milk-based nutritional products for critically ill and premature infants. Prolacta remains committed to advancing neonatal care through rigorous clinical research and the highest quality standards for human milk products.

In summary, the findings from this study are not just statistical; they represent a paradigm shift in how the medical community can approach the dietary needs of the most fragile newborns. As research continues to advocate for the exclusive use of human milk, we can hope for healthier outcomes and a reduction in the severe complications associated with prematurity.