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Plasma vitamin C levels are low in premature infants fed human milk
Insights
Vitamin C levels in premature infants drop quickly after birth. Preterm infants fed pasteurized donor milk show very low vitamin C status, highlighting nutritional concerns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Biochemistry
Background:
- Premature infants have unique nutritional needs.
- Vitamin C is crucial for infant development and immunity.
- Assessing vitamin C status in neonates is important for preventing deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vitamin C nutritional status of premature infants.
- To compare vitamin C levels in preterm versus full-term neonates.
- To assess the impact of feeding practices on vitamin C levels.
Main Methods:
- Plasma vitamin C concentrations were measured in preterm and full-term infants.
- Umbilical venous plasma samples were used for reference values.
- Infants were fed pooled, pasteurized donor milk and maternal milk.
Main Results:
- Plasma vitamin C concentrations declined rapidly after birth in all infants.
- Preterm infants exhibited very low plasma vitamin C levels.
- Feeding with pasteurized, pooled human milk was associated with low vitamin C.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants are at risk of vitamin C deficiency.
- Current feeding practices with pasteurized donor milk may be inadequate for maintaining vitamin C status.
- Further research is needed to optimize vitamin C intake in preterm infants.
Abstract:
To evaluate the vitamin C nutritional status of premature infants, plasma vitamin C concentrations were measured in 7 neonates born before 32 wk of gestation and in 13 premature infants born at or after 32 wk of gestation. Samples of umbilical venous plasma from 14 full-term infants were analyzed to provide reference values. Oral feedings with pooled, pasteurized milk from human donors were initiated 1-3 days after birth and intake was gradually increased to 200 ml X kg X day during the second week. After 2 wk, the 13 larger infants received approximately half of their daily milk intake from their own mothers. Results showed that plasma concentrations of vitamin C decline rapidly after birth and approach very low levels in preterm infants fed pasteurized, pooled human milk.