Transforming Neonatal Care with Prolacta's Nutritional Innovations
Prolacta Offers the Only Nutritional Products Free From Cow Milk and Added Synthetic Ingredients for Extremely Premature Infants in the U.S.
In an exciting development for neonatal care, Prolacta Bioscience® has reported that in 2025, the majority of Level III and IV neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States have adopted Prolacta's 100% breastmilk-based fortifiers and formulas. This is a significant milestone, indicating a pivotal shift towards improved feeding practices that significantly reduce serious complications for vulnerable premature infants.
Despite the challenges of extremely low birth weights, approximately 36,000 newborns weighing 1,250 grams (2.75 lbs) or less are born yearly in the U.S. These infants face high risks of severe complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), despite advancements in neonatal care.
Prolacta’s Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) not only enhances survival rates but also reduces the prevalence of various complications associated with prematurity. Their breastmilk-based nutritional products allow even those born as early as 22 weeks of gestation to not just survive but thrive, showcasing the extraordinary potential of tailored nutrition.
Long-term studies highlight the benefits of breastmilk-based nutrition. Research has shown that infants fed Prolacta's EHMD show lower risks of motor skill disability by the age of three compared to those receiving standard cow milk-based diets. This pivotal data underscores Prolacta's commitment to research-driven nutritional solutions.
"For over two decades, extensive research has illuminated the advantages of cow milk-free breastmilk-based nutrition for delicate premature infants," shared Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. Clinicians and parents across the country are increasingly observing fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, paired with improved developmental results for the infants.
Since its inception in 2006, Prolacta has played a vital role in providing breastmilk-based fortifiers specifically designed for the most vulnerable infants in NICUs, subsequently introducing breastmilk-based formulas in 2013. Their impressive production capacity continues to adapt to the growing demand, supported by a robust network of donors, ensuring that every infant born weighing less than 2.75 lbs receives essential nutrition as hospitals increasingly recognize the importance of breastmilk-based feeding.
Nutritional Needs of Premature Infants
Premature infants require 20% to 40% more calories and protein than their full-term counterparts to facilitate critical growth and development missed during pregnancy. To address these heightened nutritional needs, hospitals supplement mothers' own milk or donor milk with specialized nutritional fortifiers.
There are two primary types of milk fortifiers: cow milk-based and human milk-based. Unlike cow milk fortifiers, Prolacta's offerings, made entirely from donor breastmilk, represent a life-altering option for critically ill preemies. The increasing awareness among parents about these nutrition alternatives is leading to more frequent requests for options devoid of cow milk and synthetic ingredients.
About Prolacta Bioscience
Prolacta Bioscience® is a pioneer in the life sciences sector, striving to advance the science of human milk. Their mission centers on enhancing health outcomes for critically ill and premature infants. With over 125,000 extremely premature infants benefiting from their products across the globe, Prolacta's commitment to rigorous clinical research stands uncontested. They have developed Surgifort®, the first-ever FDA-approved human milk-based fortifier for term infants recovering from corrective surgery.
Operating the world’s first pharmaceutical-grade human milk processing facilities, Prolacta adheres to the strictest quality assurance standards, conducting over 20 tests to ensure the safety and quality of the milk processed. Their advanced manufacturing methods, including vat pasteurization, ensure pathogen inactivation while preserving the integrity of nutritional content.
Embracing the Future of Premature Infant Nutrition
Prolacta remains at the forefront of innovation in neonatal care. As they continue to raise awareness and deliver groundbreaking nutrition solutions for fragile newborns, their commitment to improving health outcomes for these infants is unwavering. The evidence speaks to the profound impact their products have on nurturing the tiniest patients, and the shift in nutritional practices within NICUs marks a promising future for countless families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nutritional products does Prolacta offer for premature infants?
Prolacta specializes in 100% breastmilk-based fortifiers and formulas designed specifically for premature infants, free from cow milk and synthetic ingredients.
How has Prolacta's nutrition affected the outcomes for preemies?
Research indicates that infants receiving Prolacta's products demonstrate increased survival rates and a reduced risk of complications compared to traditional cow milk-based options.
What is an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD)?
An Exclusive Human Milk Diet consists solely of breastmilk-based nutrition, which has been shown to significantly improve health outcomes for premature infants.
Why is nutrition so crucial for premature infants?
Premature infants have unique nutritional needs, requiring additional calories and protein to support their growth and development, which are often addressed through specialized fortifiers.
What initiatives does Prolacta have for advancing neonatal care?
Prolacta invests in research and development to enhance their nutritional products and continually collaborates with healthcare professionals to improve standards and outcomes in neonatal care.
