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Vitamin A and E supplementation in breast-fed newborns
E E Delvin1, B L Salle, B Reygrobellet
1Département de Biochimie Clinique, H pital Ste-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Supplementing breast-fed infants with vitamins A and E for three months significantly boosted their circulating vitamin levels. This study highlights the importance of vitamin supplementation for infant nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitamins A and E are crucial antioxidants for immune function.
- Limited data exists on vitamin A and E status in term breast-fed infants.
- This study addresses the nutritional status of these infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vitamin A and E nutritional status of term breast-fed infants at birth.
- To assess plasma retinol and tocopherol levels during a 3-month supplementation trial.
- To determine the impact of vitamin A and E supplementation on infant nutrient levels.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, blinded comparison of supplementation versus placebo in term newborns.
- Supplemented group received 3000 IU vitamin A and 5 IU vitamin E orally.
- Vitamins A and E levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- Vitamin A and E levels increased with age in both supplemented and control groups.
- Infants receiving supplementation showed higher vitamin levels at 3 months compared to the control group.
- Oral supplementation effectively increased circulating vitamin concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Supplementation with 3000 IU vitamin A and 5 IU vitamin E for 3 months is effective.
- This regimen increases circulating vitamin A and E levels in newborn term infants.
- The findings support vitamin supplementation for improving infant nutritional status.