Feeding practices and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a multifactorial disorder that primarily affects premature infants. Human milk compared with formula reduces the incidence of NEC. Feeding practices do not increase the incidence of NEC in preterm infants. There is no evidence supporting continuous versus intermittent tube feedings in preterm infants. In a feed-intolerant preterm infant without any other clinical and radiologic evidence of NEC, minimal enteral nutrition rather than complete suspension of enteral feeding may be an alternative. Human milk-based fortifier compared with bovine-based fortifier may reduce the incidence of NEC but additional studies are required.