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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Plasma ascorbic acid levels in premature infants
Insights
Premature newborns may develop vitamin C deficiency due to limited feeding. Ensuring adequate vitamin C intake is crucial for maintaining healthy plasma ascorbate levels in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fetal vitamin C levels are high, but postnatal provision can be inadequate.
- Premature newborns often experience delayed alimentation, increasing risk of ascorbate deficiency.
- Hypoascorbemia can occur in neonates due to insufficient vitamin C supply.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess plasma ascorbate levels in premature newborns during the first two weeks of life.
- To determine the impact of varying daily vitamin C intake on plasma ascorbate concentrations.
- To establish optimal vitamin C supplementation strategies for premature infants.
Main Methods:
- Plasma ascorbate levels were measured in 20 premature newborns.
- Participants received varying daily intakes of vitamin C (less than 5 mg/kg, 5-10 mg/kg, or parenteral supplementation).
- Levels were monitored during the initial two weeks of postnatal life.
Main Results:
- Low daily intake (<5 mg/kg) led to a significant decline in plasma ascorbate.
- Moderate intake (5-10 mg/kg) resulted in higher plasma ascorbate levels compared to minimal intake.
- Parenteral supplementation (50 mg/day) achieved the highest plasma ascorbate concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants may have increased vitamin C requirements due to maturational and environmental factors.
- Early and adequate vitamin C provision is essential for preventing deficiency in premature newborns.
- Tailored supplementation strategies are necessary to maintain optimal ascorbate status.
Abstract:
During gestation the fetus is abundantly provided with vitamin C, but inadequate postnatal provision of the vitamin may lead to early hypoascorbemia. Since premature newborns are often prevented from full alimentation for a considerable length of time, ascorbate deficiency may result. Plasma ascorbate levels of 20 premature newborns were determined during the first two weeks of life. Daily ascorbate intake of less than 5 mg/kg b. w. resulted in a decline of plasma ascorbate level from 1.56 +/- 0.15 mg/100 ml (mean +/- SEM) on the first day of life to a low level of 0.48 +/- 0.05 mg/100 ml by two weeks of age. An increase of daily ascorbate intake to 5--10 mg/kg b.w. resulted in a higher plasma concentration of 0.79 +/- 0.09 mg/100 ml (p less than 0.02) while parenteral supplementation of 50 mg vitamin C daily provided for a high plasma concentration of 2.7 +/- 0.46 mg/100 ml (p less than 0.005) when compared with the other two groups. Maturational and environmental factors may impose a higher demand for vitamin C during early premature life and therefore adequate amounts of the vitamin should be early provided.
