Karolinska Institutet study links probiotics to lower mortality in preterm infants

A register-based study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet has found a link between probiotic supplementation and a reduced risk of death and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm infants.

Analyzing data from nearly 4,700 infants born between 2017 and 2024, the study observed that 0.8 percent of children receiving probiotics experienced death or NEC, compared to 3.4 percent in the group without supplements. Specifically, the risk of death was 0.3 percent in the probiotic group versus 1.4 percent in the control group, while the risk of NEC was 0.6 percent compared to 2.5 percent.

Researchers noted that while the results suggest a significant connection to lower mortality through reduced NEC, no clear link was found between probiotics and the risk of sepsis. The study was observational, meaning it identifies correlations rather than definitive cause and effect. Experts cautioned that the findings should not be generalized to extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks, as they were not included in the study.