New Research Shows Human Milk Diet Reduces Motor Skill Risks in Premature Babies

Introduction A recent study published in the Journal of Perinatology has unveiled compelling evidence regarding the nutritional choices made for premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This research, conducted by independent experts at 13 NICUs in Southern California, demonstrates that babies born before 32 weeks of gestation, who were fed Prolacta Bioscience's Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD), showcased better motor skill development by the age of three compared to their counterparts who received cow milk-based products. ## The Significance of the Study The study involved over 1,000 infants, revealing that despite being smaller and born earlier—an inherent risk factor for developmental challenges—those receiving an EHMD experienced a 26% lower likelihood of motor skill impairment. The researchers factored in various elements such as birth weight and gestational age to ensure a balanced analysis. This breakthrough suggests that the nutritional management provided right after birth can have profound long-term effects. According to Dr. Melinda Elliott, Chief Medical Officer at Prolacta, "The benefits of an exclusive human milk-based diet have been proven to last well beyond NICU hospitalization, offering hope for enhanced neurodevelopmental outcomes in vulnerable infants." ## Research Findings The exclusive to human milk diet comprises either the mother’s own milk or pasteurized donor breast milk enhanced with Prolacta’s nutritional fortifiers, which are entirely derived from human milk. These components are rich in essential fatty acids vital for brain development. Notably, babies in the EHMD group not only showed better development despite lower gestational ages and birth weights but also thrived in their long-term outcomes, reinforcing findings from previous studies linking human milk to improved brain growth. The implications of this research are significant, not only validating the adaptations in dietary practices for premature infants but also meriting further exploration into the effects of human milk diets on larger infants. ## Research Background and Next Steps The study led by Dr. Fu-Sheng Chou will serve as a pivotal reference for future research, positing the need for further evaluations of human milk diets in varying infant demographics. The authors urge that further studies be aimed not only at smaller preemies but at infants who weigh more than 1,250 grams or those born after 30 weeks, examining the effects of an EHMD on broader developmental metrics. ## Conclusion Prolacta Bioscience, a frontrunner in the area of human milk-based nutritional solutions for high-risk infants, has long championed the health benefits of mother’s milk. With over 125,000 extremely premature infants reportedly receiving Prolacta's products globally, this new study underlines the importance of breast milk supplementation, offering an essential foundation for the growth and health of the smallest neonates. The establishment of the first FDA-approved human milk-based fortifier, Surgifort®, marks another landmark in the advancement of nutritional care for newborns recovering from surgical procedures. At a time when the need for scientific advancements in neonatal nutrition is ever more pressing, the results from this research bring a renewed focus on the vital role of human milk in the care of vulnerable infants across NICUs worldwide. Parents and caregivers can take comfort in knowing that the investment in an EHMD for their premature children could lead to significantly improved developmental outcomes in the long run.