What is necrotizing enterocolitis and why probiotics?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious bowel disease. NEC happens when the bowel (intestine) becomes infected and parts of the bowel die. NEC mostly affects premature babies, and particularly those that are of very low weight (less than 1500 g). Up to 10 out of 100 babies of very low birth weight may develop NEC. It is not entirely clear what causes NEC. In premature babies, the bowels are not fully developed and are more likely to get infections. It is also possible that the use of infant formula may play a part as babies who are breast fed are less likely to suffer from NEC. Babies with NEC may have the same symptoms as babies with other digestive diseases, such as problems feeding, vomiting, and bloated and tender stomachs. NEC is usually diagnosed with X-rays and blood tests. If a baby is suspected of having NEC, antibiotics are given, feedings are stopped, and the baby is only fed intravenously (through a vein) until the bowel heals. In about one third of affected babies, th
