Long-term alpha-tocopherol supplements may improve mental development in extremely low birthweight infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Neonatology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Methods to enhance cognitive development in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) children are limited.
• Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) is an antioxidant with potential neuroprotective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of long-term alpha-tocopherol supplementation on the neurological development of school-aged ELBW children.
• To identify factors associated with intellectual disabilities in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 259 ELBW children was divided into three groups based on alpha-tocopherol supplementation duration: none, <6 months, and >6 months.
• Participants' data from birth to 8 years of age were analyzed.
• Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate factors related to mental development and intellectual disabilities.

Main Results:

• Children receiving alpha-tocopherol for >6 months showed the best outcomes.
• Multivariate analysis indicated significantly lower odds of impaired mental development at 8 years in the >6 months supplementation group (OR=0.19, p=0.017).
• A dose-dependent association was observed between alpha-tocopherol duration and performance intelligence quotient (IQ) (p=0.03).

Conclusions:

• Long-term alpha-tocopherol supplementation appears to be a beneficial strategy for improving mental development in ELBW children.
• Performance IQ in school-aged ELBW children may be enhanced by prolonged alpha-tocopherol administration.
• The duration of supplementation is a critical factor in achieving positive neurodevelopmental outcomes.