What's Happening?
A recent randomized controlled trial, known as the FortiColos CN trial, investigated the effects of bovine colostrum as a fortifier to human milk in very preterm infants. Conducted at two hospitals in Shenzhen,
China, the trial aimed to assess the impact of bovine colostrum on feeding intolerance, growth, and safety compared to a conventional fortifier. The study involved 136 infants born between 26 and 31 weeks of gestation, who required nutrient fortification. The trial found that bovine colostrum significantly reduced the incidence of feeding intolerance compared to the control group. The intervention involved gradually increasing doses of bovine colostrum mixed with human milk, starting from 0.70 grams per 100 mL on the first day to 2.8 grams by the fourth day. The primary outcome was the incidence of feeding intolerance, while secondary outcomes included growth parameters and hospital discharge metrics.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this trial are significant as they suggest that bovine colostrum could be a viable alternative to conventional fortifiers for preterm infants, potentially improving their nutritional outcomes and reducing feeding intolerance. This could have implications for neonatal care practices, particularly in settings where donor milk is accessible. The use of bovine colostrum may offer a more natural and potentially safer option for fortifying human milk, which is crucial for the growth and development of preterm infants. The trial's results could influence guidelines and recommendations for neonatal nutrition, potentially leading to broader adoption of bovine colostrum in clinical settings.
What's Next?
Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of bovine colostrum fortification on preterm infants. Additional studies could focus on different populations and settings to validate the results and assess the broader applicability of bovine colostrum as a fortifier. Regulatory bodies and healthcare providers may consider these findings when updating guidelines for neonatal nutrition. Continued monitoring and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of bovine colostrum in diverse clinical environments will be essential to ensure its optimal use in neonatal care.
