In addition to breastfeeding, researchers found that oral probiotics and prenatal use of glucocorticoids decreased a prematurely born infant's risk of NEC.
Decision came after FDA determined Similac Probiotic Tri-Blend is an unadulterated drug product, which could put preterm infants' lives at risk.
Abbott is using unproven ingredients in Similac Probiotic Tri-Blend that may not be safe for infants, and is marketing the infant formula in a way that makes it an unapproved drug product, according to FDA
Infant probiotics are classified as dietary supplements and not approved by the FDA as a form of medical treatment.
Researchers have seen a corresponding decrease in cases of NEC in hospitals which give probiotics to preterm infants, but no reduction in deaths or cases of sepsis.
