Introduction of Bovine-Based Nutrient Fortifier and Gastrointestinal Inflammation in Very Low Birth Weight Infants as Measured by Fecal Calprotectin

Background: Fecal calprotectin (fCP) is a biomarker of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) inflammation that is currently being used investigationally among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Materials and Methods: Stool was collected weekly from 20 breastmilk-fed VLBW infants for up to 8 weeks after birth during the establishment and fortification of feeds, and fCP concentrations were measured. Results: Mean fCP levels increased significantly in stools collected immediately following bovine-based nutrient fortification of feeds (p=0.005). Conclusions: Addition of bovine fortifier to breastmilk feeds appeared to be associated with an acute increase in GIT inflammation.