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Vitamin B6 intake and plasma pyridoxal phosphate concentrations in the first 2 weeks of life
Insights
Newborns fed breast milk had lower plasma pyridoxal phosphate levels than formula-fed infants. This highlights potential vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiencies in breastfed neonates, impacting their health.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is the active form of vitamin B6.
- Adequate vitamin B6 is crucial for neonatal development and preventing seizures.
- Established reference intervals for neonatal PLP are essential for clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reference interval for plasma pyridoxal phosphate in hospitalized neonates.
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin B6 intake and plasma PLP concentrations.
- To compare PLP levels in neonates fed breast milk versus formula.
Main Methods:
- Plasma PLP concentrations were measured in 178 hospitalized neonates.
- Vitamin B6 intake was assessed based on dietary records.
- Breast milk vitamin B6 content was analyzed.
Main Results:
- A reference interval of 25 to 78 nmol/l was established for neonates <7 days old.
- Vitamin B6 intake did not strongly correlate with plasma PLP levels.
- 10% of breastfed neonates had sub-optimal PLP levels, compared to 4% of formula-fed neonates.
- 20% of breast milk samples showed negligible vitamin B6.
Conclusions:
- Established a reference interval for neonatal plasma PLP.
- Identified a higher prevalence of low PLP in breastfed neonates.
- Suggests potential vitamin B6 inadequacy in some breastfed infants, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
Plasma pyridoxal phosphate concentrations were measured in 178 hospitalised neonates. A reference interval for neonates less than 7 day old, of 25 to 78 nmol/l has been established. Vitamin B6 intakes did not correlate well with plasma pyridoxal concentrations despite 26 neonates receiving less than the Recommended Allowance (0.3 mg/d) and 19 receiving amounts below which convulsions have been associated (0.1 mg/d). Ten percent of those infants fed breast milk had plasma pyridoxal phosphate levels below the reference interval compared with only 4% of those fed milk formulae. Breast milk from mothers with babies less than 14 days old had a total vitamin B6 contents reference interval of 5 to 40 micrograms/l. Twenty percent of breast milk samples had virtually no vitamin B6 detected.