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Vitamin A status of preterm infants: the influence of feeding and vitamin supplements

C W Woodruff, C B Latham, E P James

    The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
    |September 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Premature infants fed their own mother's milk had higher alpha-tocopherol levels. Formula-fed infants showed higher plasma retinol, but parenteral nutrition was linked to lower retinol-binding protein and prealbumin.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Nutrition
    • Biochemistry
    • Pediatric Intensive Care

    Background:

    • Nutrient status is critical for premature infants.
    • Feeding regimens significantly impact micronutrient levels in vulnerable neonates.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the impact of different feeding regimens on key nutrient levels in low-birth-weight infants.
    • To compare plasma concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, retinol-binding protein, prealbumin, and zinc based on diet.

    Main Methods:

    • Weekly blood sample analysis for 58 infants (<2000g birth weight) in intensive care.
    • Data categorized by feeding: parenteral, premature formula, or mother's milk.
    • Nutrient levels analyzed against established adult normal ranges.

    Main Results:

    • Plasma retinol was lowest in parenterally-fed infants; highest in formula-fed.
    • Retinol-binding protein and prealbumin were lowest in parenterally-fed infants.
    • Alpha-tocopherol was maintained above 500 mcg/dl only in infants fed mother's milk.
    • Zinc levels above 70 mcg/dl were exclusively observed in parenterally-fed infants.
    • Increased vitamin supplements in formula did not significantly raise plasma retinol or tocopherol.

    Conclusions:

    • Mother's milk is superior for maintaining alpha-tocopherol in premature infants.
    • Parenteral nutrition is associated with lower retinol-binding protein and prealbumin.
    • Current vitamin supplementation in formula may be insufficient for optimal retinol and tocopherol levels.

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