IL‐17A levels were significantly elevated in NEC compared to breastfed controls (p < 0.0001) and significantly decreased in NEC + CS compared to NEC alone (#p = 0.0285; [BF Ctrl = 0[0–0], NEC = 71.20[41.83–146.4], and NEC + CS = 0[0–75.79]; Figure 10a). This evidence concerns the gene IL17A and necrotizing enterocolitis.