Vitamin A and E status in very low birth weight infants

To determine vitamin A and vitamin E status in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at the time of birth (TB), at the time of full feeding (TFF) and at term postmenstrual age (TT).

An observational study was conducted in VLBW infants. Plasma retinol and α-tocopherol levels were measured at TB, TFF and TT. Multivitamin supplementation was given to all infants to meet the daily requirement.

A total of 35 infants were enrolled. The median (interquartile range) of gestational age and birth weight was 30 (28 to 32) weeks and 1157 g (982 to 1406 g). The median of vitamin A and vitamin E intakes from TFF to TT was 832 and 5.5 IU kg(-1) day(-1), respectively. Vitamin A deficiency occurred in 67.7% at birth, 51.6% at TFF and 82.1% at TT. Vitamin E deficiency occurred in 77.4% at birth, 16.1% at TFF and 35.7% at TT. Small-for-gestational age was the only risk factor for vitamin A deficiency. Lower amount of breast milk consumption was associated with higher incidence of vitamin E deficiency. No differences in vitamin A- or vitamin E-related morbidities between infants with and without vitamin deficiencies were found.

High prevalence of vitamin A and vitamin E deficiency was found in VLBW infants starting from birth to term postmenstrual age. Therefore, a higher dose of vitamin supplementation is required.