Background: Fecal calprotectin (fCP) is a biomarker of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) inflammation that is currently being used investigationally among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Materials and methods: Stool was collected weekly from 20 breastmilk-fed VLBW infants for up to 8 weeks after birth during the establishment and fortification of feeds, and fCP concentrations were measured.
Results: Mean fCP levels increased significantly in stools collected immediately following bovine-based nutrient fortification of feeds (p = 0.005).
Conclusions: Addition of bovine fortifier to breastmilk feeds appeared to be associated with an acute increase in GIT inflammation.