Milk source vs fortifier type in the NICU: what matters most for the gut microbiome? with Meghan Azad

Learning Objectives

• Describe key differences between milk sources (mother vs donor) and fortifier types (human vs bovine) available in NICU settings
• Understand the importance of gut inflammation and the gut microbiome in very low birthweight premature infants
• Differentiate the effects of milk source vs fortifier type on these parameters

Description of the session:

The gut microbiome and gut inflammation are central to health outcomes in very low birthweight preterm infants. In the NICU, both milk source and fortifier type are important feeding decisions, but their relative influence on these parameters is not well studied. This session will review new evidence showing that milk source (mother’s own vs donor milk) is more strongly associated with microbiome composition, gut inflammation, and growth than fortifier type (human- vs bovine-derived). Participants will come away with a clearer understanding of how these findings can inform NICU feeding practices and support evidence-based counseling for families.