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Vitamin D metabolism in preterm infants
B L Salle1, J Senterre, F H Glorieux
1Department of Neonatology, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Lyon, France.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Maternal vitamin D levels correlate with preterm infant cord levels. Adequate vitamin D supplementation prevents rickets in premature infants, despite low metabolite levels, by promoting calcium absorption.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D metabolism is crucial for infant bone health.
- Preterm infants are at high risk for mineral deficiencies.
- Maternal-fetal vitamin D transfer impacts neonatal status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maternal and preterm infant vitamin D metabolism.
- To assess the impact of vitamin D metabolites on intestinal absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma levels of vitamin D and its metabolites in mothers and preterm infants.
- Correlation studies between maternal and cord blood levels.
- Evaluation of intestinal absorption of minerals in relation to vitamin D status.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between maternal and cord plasma levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
- Vitamin D activation occurred during early-life hypocalcemia in preterm infants.
- Adequate vitamin D (1,000-1,200 IU D2) prevented rickets/osteomalacia, irrespective of low metabolite levels.
- Calcitriol effectively promoted intestinal calcium absorption in very premature infants.
Conclusions:
- Maternal vitamin D status influences preterm infant levels at birth.
- Vitamin D deficiency, low calcium, or phosphorus intake/absorption contributes to hypomineralization in preterm infants.
- Calcitriol plays a key role in ensuring calcium absorption in preterm neonates, even with low vitamin D metabolite levels, when adequate intake is provided.