Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies, causing inflammation, infection, and tissue death in the intestines. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of NEC is by feeding breast milk instead of formula.
📌 Fact: Studies show that preterm infants fed breast milk have up to a 50% lower risk of developing NEC compared to those fed formula.
🍼 Why Does Breast Milk Protect Against NEC?
Breast milk contains unique nutrients, antibodies, and beneficial bacteria that help protect and strengthen a premature baby’s delicate digestive system. Here’s how it helps:
1️⃣ Strengthens the Gut Lining
🔹 Breast milk contains epidermal growth factors (EGF) that promote the growth and repair of intestinal cells, reducing the risk of inflammation and injury.
2️⃣ Provides Essential Antibodies
🔹 Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in breast milk forms a protective barrier in the intestines, preventing harmful bacteria from causing infections.
3️⃣ Supports Healthy Gut Bacteria
🔹 Breast milk contains prebiotics and probiotics that encourage the growth of good bacteria (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), which fight off harmful bacteria that could trigger NEC.
4️⃣ Reduces Inflammation
🔹 Breast milk has anti-inflammatory properties that help control the immune response, preventing excessive inflammation that could lead to NEC.
📌 Fact: Formula-fed preterm babies are 6-10 times more likely to develop NEC than those who receive human milk.
🩺 What If the Mother Cannot Provide Breast Milk?
In cases where a mother cannot produce enough breast milk, hospitals may use:
✔ Donor Human Milk – Pasteurized breast milk from screened donors, which still provides many protective benefits.
✔ Human Milk Fortifiers – Special supplements added to breast milk to meet the higher nutritional needs of preterm babies.
📌 Fact: Even small amounts of breast milk can provide protective benefits against NEC. Experts recommend using at least some breast milk whenever possible.
📌 Final Thoughts
Breast milk is one of the most powerful ways to protect premature infants from NEC. It helps strengthen the gut, fight infections, and reduce inflammation, making it the best nutritional choice for preterm babies whenever possible. If breast milk is unavailable, donor milk is the next best option.
