Journal of pediatric surgery
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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common acquired disease of the gastrointestinal tract in preterm infants, whereas probiotic supplementation might reduce NEC risk and potentially provide benefits to preterm infants. We performed an updated meta-analysis of all relevant randomized, controlled trials to assess the benefits of probiotic supplementation for preterm very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. ⋯ Probiotic supplement can reduce risk of NEC and mortality in preterm VLBW infants. However, the optimum type of probiotic supplement and the long-term effects need further study.