Multi-strain probiotics for Canadian preterm infants: a call for action

Strong evidence demonstrates that specific multi-strain probiotics substantially reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and all-cause mortality in preterm infants. While many high-income nations have access such preparations into routine neonatal practice, Canadian preterm infants do not currently have access to this therapy following the discontinuation of the only high-quality multi-strain probiotic previously available for this population. Consequently, Canadian preterm infants are now placed at a disadvantage, lacking access to regulated and clinically validated products. This is a significant public health concern regarding neonatal care in Canada. In this call for action, we underscore the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to re-establish access to safe, regulated, multi-strain probiotic formulations, ensuring Canadian preterm infants are no longer denied a preventive therapy with proven benefits.