Lactoferrin Reduces Necrotizing Enterocolitis Severity by Upregulating Intestinal Epithelial Proliferation

Experimental study demonstrates lactoferrin supplementation reduces NEC severity in neonatal mice by decreasing inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) and promoting intestinal epithelial regeneration through Wnt pathway activation. Lactoferrin increased stem cell markers and proliferation specifically during injury without affecting healthy intestinal tissue, supporting its therapeutic potential in premature infant feeding strategies.