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Oral vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol) therapy effectively corrects deficiency in premature infants. This treatment ensures sustained normal plasma tocopherol levels, demonstrating the efficacy of oral supplementation alone.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Premature infants (<1.5 kg birth weight) are susceptible to vitamin E deficiency.
- Vitamin E is crucial for infant development and antioxidant protection.
- Established methods for correcting deficiency in this population are critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral vitamin E administration in premature infants.
- To determine if oral therapy alone can correct vitamin E deficiency.
- To assess plasma tocopherol levels following supplementation.
Main Methods:
- Orogastric administration of dl-alpha tocopherol or its acetate form.
- A second blind trial involving 28 infants receiving 25 units of dl-alpha tocopherol or placebo for six weeks.
- Plasma tocopherol level monitoring.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of dl-alpha tocopherol increased plasma tocopherol levels.
- All infants receiving vitamin E supplementation maintained normal adult plasma tocopherol ranges.
- Oral therapy alone proved sufficient for correcting vitamin E deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Oral vitamin E therapy is an effective method for correcting vitamin E deficiency in premature infants.
- Sustained normal plasma tocopherol levels can be achieved with oral supplementation.
- This approach offers a viable solution for managing vitamin E status in high-risk neonates.
Abstract:
The absorption of vitamin E, given by orogastric tube, was studied in premature infants who weighed less than 1.5 kg at birth. After the administration of either dl-alpha tocopherol or the acetate form, plasma tocopherol levels increased. In a second blind trial, 28 infants received either 25 units of dl-alpha tocopherol or placebo during the first six weeks of life. Plasma tocopherol levels in all treated infants were sustained in the normal adult range. The vitamin E-deficient state of premature infants can be corrected by oral therapy alone.