Enhanced weight gain in preterm infants receiving lactase-treated feeds: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate whether lactase-treated preterm feeds enhance weight gain and feeding tolerance in premature infants. Study design: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial involving 130 infants (26-34 weeks postconceptual age). The primary outcome variable was weight gain (g per day). Other outcome measures included gains in length and head circumference, biochemical indexes of nutritional status, feeding intolerance, and incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis. Results: On study day 10, weight gain (mean ± SEM) of the treatment group was significantly greater (P