Probiotics and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease affecting primarily premature infants. Despite advances in neonatal care, the mortality rate following NEC has not changed significantly in the past 30 years. New preventative measures are needed. In this review, we will provide information to assess the possible role of probiotics, prebiotics and related agents in the prevention of this devastating disease. We will also discuss short and long term safety issues as well as potential alternatives. Although it is tempting to rebuild the intestinal microbiota using the agents such as pro and prebiotics during infancy, routine use is not yet warranted a cautious approach on the basis of sounds scientific data is needed.