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Multi-strain probiotics for Canadian preterm infants: a call for action
Belal Alshaikh1,2, Joseph Ting3, Kumar Kumaran3
1Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Gastroenterology and Nutrition Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
Strong evidence demonstrates that specific multi-strain probiotics substantially reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and all-cause mortality in preterm infants. While many high-income nations have access such preparations into routine neonatal practice, Canadian preterm infants do not currently have access to this therapy following the discontinuation of the only high-quality multi-strain probiotic previously available for this population. Consequently, Canadian preterm infants are now placed at a disadvantage, lacking access to regulated and clinically validated products. This is a significant public health concern regarding neonatal care in Canada. In this call for action, we underscore the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to re-establish access to safe, regulated, multi-strain probiotic formulations, ensuring Canadian preterm infants are no longer denied a preventive therapy with proven benefits.
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