The effect of cow's milk in the diet of preterm infants on fecal calprotectin.

Präuner, Franziska; Weiss, Gisela Adrienne; Fusch, Christoph; Seeliger, Stephan; Knab, Katja; Rochow, Niels · Pediatr Res · 2026

Where this comes from

Abstract

The introduction of cow's milk-based protein in preterm infants was associated with an approximate twofold increase in fecal calprotectin levels, indicating an upregulation of intestinal inflammation. Although no clinical deterioration was observed, the calprotectin increase following cow's milk protein introduction may reflect subclinical intestinal inflammation and signal a heightened vulnerability to necrotizing enterocolitis development in preterm infants.

Medical subject headings