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Vitamin E supplementation in exclusively breastfed VLBW infants
Smita Tripathi1, T K Mishra, N B Mathur
1Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. smitatripathi@rediffmail.com
Indian Pediatrics
|July 2, 2011
Summary
Vitamin E supplementation is not routinely necessary for exclusively breastfed very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Studies show comparable vitamin E levels and ratios to lipids between supplemented and unsupplemented VLBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Vitamin Metabolism
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at risk for micronutrient deficiencies.
- Breast milk is the primary nutrition source for exclusively breastfed VLBW infants.
- The role of vitamin E in this population requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the adequacy of breast milk as a vitamin E source in exclusively breastfed VLBW infants.
- To determine if vitamin E supplementation improves vitamin E levels in VLBW infants.
- To compare vitamin E to lipid ratios between supplemented and unsupplemented VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 44 exclusively breastfed VLBW infants.
- Infants were allocated to receive vitamin E supplementation (n=23) or no supplementation (n=21).
- Vitamin E levels and vitamin E to lipid ratios were measured after 21 days.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in vitamin E levels was observed between the supplemented (0.78 ± 0.26 mg/dL) and unsupplemented (0.77 ± 0.25 mg/dL) groups (P=0.69).
- The ratio of vitamin E to lipids was comparable between the two groups (P=0.65).
- These findings indicate breast milk provides sufficient vitamin E for VLBW infants.
Conclusions:
- Routine vitamin E supplementation is not necessary for exclusively breastfed VLBW infants.
- Breast milk alone appears adequate in providing sufficient vitamin E for this vulnerable population.
- Further research could explore optimal vitamin E monitoring in VLBW infants.
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