TROPHIC FACTORS FOR THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT

Trophic factors influence the coordinated pre- and postnatal growth an d the development of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Systemically as well as enterally administered trophic factors have effects upon the G I tract, several have the potential to be used therapeutically to enha nce GI maturation and repair following injury. Gastrointestinal trophi c factors in human milk play an important role in regulating the adapt ive functional changes which accompany the transition to postnatal ent eral feedings.