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Multi-dose vitamin d supplementation in stable very preterm infants: Prospective randomized trial response to three

Ozlem Bozkurt1, Nurdan Uras1, Fatma Nur Sari1

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Early Human Development
|August 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D supplementation for preterm infants is crucial. A dose of 1000IU/d effectively reduced vitamin D deficiency and increased 25(OH)D levels at 36 weeks postmenstrual age in infants born at or before 32 weeks gestation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Preterm newborns have lower vitamin D stores, necessitating supplementation.
  • Current recommendations lack consensus on optimal vitamin D dosage for preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of three vitamin D doses (400, 800, 1000 IU/d) on vitamin D deficiency and 25(OH)D levels in preterm infants.
  • To determine the most effective supplementation regimen for preterm infants up to 32 weeks gestation.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective randomized trial involving 121 preterm infants (24-32 weeks gestation).
  • Infants received daily vitamin D doses of 400, 800, or 1000 IU.
  • Outcomes measured included serum 25(OH)D levels and vitamin D deficiency prevalence at 36 weeks postmenstrual age.

Main Results:

  • 72% of infants exhibited vitamin D deficiency prior to supplementation.
  • Significantly higher 25(OH)D levels were observed in the 800 IU and 1000 IU groups compared to the 400 IU group at 36 weeks PMA.
  • The 1000 IU/d group showed a significantly lower prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.

Conclusions:

  • 1000 IU/d of vitamin D supplementation is effective in reducing vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants.
  • Higher vitamin D doses lead to improved 25(OH)D concentrations in preterm infants at 36 weeks PMA.
  • This study provides evidence for an optimal vitamin D dosage for preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
High dosePretermVitamin D deficiencyVitamin D supplementation

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