Efficacy and heterogeneity: an exclusive human milk diet for necrotizing enterocolitis prevention in very preterm infants—a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies

Frontiers in Nutrition 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yue Gao, Zhenglin Huang, Yongrong Zou, Sihui Hu, Wei Chen
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1768141
Cited by: 1
References: 29

Abstract

Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants. While human milk is known to reduce NEC risk, the efficacy of an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD), which avoids all bovine-based products, remains quantitatively uncertain. Objective To systematically evaluate the association between EHMD and NEC incidence in very preterm infants. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, and case–control studies involving infants born at

Fields of Study & Subjects

Infant Nutrition and Health Breastfeeding Practices and Influences Infant Development and Preterm Care

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Nutrition
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Volume
13
Pages
1768141–1768141
Publication date
20 May 2026
Language
EN