Prevention of late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) in infants born very preterm (<32 weeks' gestation) is paramount because of its associated mortality and morbidity. Lactoferrin has antimicrobial properties and could be preventive. Lactoferrin concentrations in human breastmilk vary little with gestational age and fall over time after birth; they are lower in infant formulas. Importantly, very preterm infants have low enteral intakes in the first days after birth, and this can persist for weeks. Consequently, infants born very preterm might benefit from supplemental lactoferrin to prevent LOS.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)32390-0/fulltext