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Vitamin A and E status in very low birth weight infants

S Kositamongkol1, U Suthutvoravut, N Chongviriyaphan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|January 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants show high rates of vitamin A and vitamin E deficiency from birth to term. Current supplementation may be insufficient, indicating a need for higher doses to improve nutritional status.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Micronutrient Status
  • Pediatric Research

Background:

  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at risk for micronutrient deficiencies due to physiological immaturity and altered nutrient metabolism.
  • Vitamin A and vitamin E are crucial for infant development, immune function, and overall health.
  • Assessing the status of these vitamins in VLBW infants is essential for optimizing their nutritional care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the vitamin A and vitamin E status in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
  • To track vitamin levels from birth through term postmenstrual age.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with deficiencies.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 35 VLBW infants.
  • Measurement of plasma retinol (vitamin A) and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) at birth, full feeding, and term postmenstrual age.
  • Administration of standard multivitamin supplementation to all participants.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was observed at birth (67.7%), full feeding (51.6%), and term (82.1%).
  • Vitamin E deficiency was also prevalent, particularly at birth (77.4%), decreasing at full feeding (16.1%) but rising again at term (35.7%).
  • Small-for-gestational age infants were at higher risk for vitamin A deficiency, while lower breast milk intake correlated with vitamin E deficiency.

Conclusions:

  • VLBW infants exhibit a significant and persistent prevalence of vitamin A and vitamin E deficiencies.
  • The current multivitamin supplementation regimen may be inadequate for this vulnerable population.
  • Increased vitamin supplementation doses are likely necessary to address these deficiencies effectively.
Abstract

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