ABSTRACT
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a deadly disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract of premature infants and is more common in patients who have received formula feedings. The objective of this chapter is to review the literature on various feeding practices in premature infants that aim to prevent NEC. First, we discuss the benefits of maternal and donor breast milk, their bioactive components, fortification, and the use of elemental formula and probiotics. Finally, we discuss the efficacy of multidimensional NEC prevention strategies and provide hope for the future.
