Effect of different doses of vitamin D on osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline in preterm infants

Fatih M Kislal1, Ugur Dilmen

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. fmkislal@hotmail.com

Insights

High-dose vitamin D supplementation in preterm infants may increase bone turnover, as indicated by elevated urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) levels. This study explored different vitamin D doses and their impact on bone metabolism markers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Metabolic bone disease is prevalent in preterm infants.
  • Understanding vitamin D's role in preterm infant bone health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of varying vitamin D doses on bone turnover markers in preterm infants.
  • To examine the relationship between vitamin D intake and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), serum osteocalcin (OC), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

Main Methods:

  • 37 preterm infants received daily vitamin D doses of 200, 400, or 800 IU/kg from day 15 to 30 of life.
  • Serum Ca, P, ALP, and OC levels were measured, alongside urinary DPD excretion.

Main Results:

  • Serum Ca and P levels showed no significant changes across groups.
  • Serum ALP and OC levels increased in response to vitamin D supplementation.
  • Urinary DPD excretion increased with higher vitamin D doses, significantly in the 800 IU/kg group.

Conclusions:

  • High-dose vitamin D supplementation may accelerate bone turnover in preterm infants.
  • Increased urinary DPD levels suggest enhanced bone resorption with higher vitamin D intake.
  • This study is the first to compare different vitamin D doses using urinary collagen cross-links to assess bone turnover in preterm infants.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...