Table 1 Characteristic of the included studies

Pammi et al. (2020)

To assess the effect and safety of lactoferrin to prevent LOS and NEC in preterm infants

RCTs and quasi-RCTs

12/5425

GW<37w

NR

B, D, E, F

high

Howlett et al.

(2019)

To assess the effectiveness and safety of supplementary inositol in preterm infants in reducing adverse neonatal outcomes.

RCTs and quasi-RCTs

3/1177

GW<37w and/or BW<2500 g

NR

E, F

high

Walsh et al. (2019)

To assess the evidence form RCTs that dietary supplementation with iodine reduces mortality and morbidity in preterm infants

RCTs or quasi-RCTs

2/1394

GW<37w

NICU stay

A, B, C, D, E, F

high

Chi et al. (2019)

To assess the effects of prebiptics in promoting health or preventing adverse health outcomes in preterm infants.

RCTs

18/1322

GW<37w or BW<2500 g

NR

D, E, F

high

Armannia et al.

(2019)

To determine whether administration of prebiotics reduces the incidence of hyperbilirubinarmia among term and preterm infants.

RCTs or quasi-RCTs

3/154

(1) GW ≥37w

(2)35w ≤ GW<37w

(3)GW<37w

NICU stay

C, D, E, F

high

Amissah et al.

(2018)

To determine whether supplementation of human milk with fat to preterm infants improve a series of health outcomes without adverse effects.

RCT

1/14

GW<37w

Hospital stays

A, D

high

Amissah et al.

(2018)

To determine whether supplementation of human milk with protein to preterm infants improve a series of health outcomes without adverse effect.

RCTs or quasi-RCTs

6/204

GW<37w

Hospital stays

A, C, D, E

high

Amissah et al.

(2018)

To determine whether supplementation of human milk with Carbohydrate to preterm infants improve a series of health outcomes without adverse effect.

Quasi-RCTs

1/75

GW<37w

Hospital stays

A, D, E

high

Yang et al. (2018)

To assess the effect of vitamin D on body development,immune function and disease prevention in preterm infants.

RCTs

12/NR

NR

Within 21d of birth

A, C, E

high

Harding et al.

(2017)

To determine whether addition of calcium and phosphorus supplements to human milk leads to improved growth and bone metabolism of preterm infants

RCTs and quasi-RCTs

1/40

GW<37w

Hospital stays

A, C, D

high

Shah et al. (2017)

To exam the effect of arginine supplementation on the incidence of NEC in preterm infants.

RCTs and quasi-RCTs

3/285

GW<37w

NICU stay

A, B, E, F

high

Aceti et al. (2017)

To evaluate the effect of probiotics for LOS prevention in preterm infants.

RCTs

25/5868

GW<37w and/or BW<2500 g

NR

E

high

Moe-Byrne et al.

(2016)

To determine the effects of gluta mine supplementation on mortality and morbidity in preterm infants.

RCTs and quasi-RCTs

12/2877

GW<37w

NR

A, B, D, E,F

high

Moon et al. (2016)

To assess whether supplementation of formula milk with LCPUFA is safe and of benefit to preterm infants.

RCTs

17/2260

GW<37w

NICU stay

A, B

high

AlFaleh et al.

(2014)

To compare the efficacy and safety of prophylactic enteral probiotics administration in the prevention of NEC or sepsis in preterm infants.

RCTs or quasi-RCTs

24/5529

GW<37w and/or BW<2500 g

NR

A, B, D, E,F

high

Young et al. (2010)

To determine the effect of feeding preterm infants following hospital discharge with multi-nutrient fortified breast milk versus unfortified breast milk on growth and development.

RCTs or quasi-RCTs

2/246

GW<37w BW<2500 g

Hospital discharge

A, B, D

high

Verner et al.(2007)

To assess the effect of providing supplemental taurine for enterally or parenterally fed preterm or low birth weight infants on growth and development.

RCTs or quasi-RCTs

9/189

GW<37w BW<2500 g

Within 28d of birth

A, B, D, E,F

high