Vitamin status of infants receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis

The oral vitamin intakes and blood vitamin concentrations of seven infants receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis were measured. The serum concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C and folic acid were determined. Thiamine and riboflavin were assessed by the activation of erythrocyte transketolase and erythrocyte glutathione reductase, respectively. Vitamin B6 was measured as plasma pyridoxal phosphate. All patients received a daily vitamin supplement devoid of vitamin A. Dietary vitamin intake was derived from infant formula. In all cases, the patients' blood concentrations of the water-soluble vitamins were equal to or greater than normal infant values. Serum vitamin A levels were elevated despite the lack of supplementation. The combined dietary/supplemental water-soluble vitamin intake of the patients exceeded the recommended daily allowance in all but one patient. These preliminary data emphasize the need to further evaluate the vitamin requirements of infants receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis.