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Postnatal changes in plasma chain-breaking antioxidants in healthy preterm infants fed formula and/or human milk

D van Zoeren-Grobben1, J H Lindeman, E Houdkamp

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Leiden, Netherlands.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Antioxidant levels in preterm infants change significantly after birth, impacting their ability to fight oxidative stress. These findings are crucial for understanding infant susceptibility to oxygen toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Preterm infants exhibit unique physiological adaptations post-birth.
  • Oxidative stress is a significant concern in neonatal care, particularly for preterm infants.
  • Chain-breaking antioxidants play a vital role in combating oxidative damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the postnatal changes in plasma chain-breaking antioxidants in preterm infants.
  • To assess the impact of these antioxidant changes on plasma peroxyl radical trapping capacity (TRAP).
  • To compare antioxidant profiles and TRAP in infants fed preterm formula versus human milk.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 29 preterm infants (gestational age 30-35 wk) over the first 6 postnatal weeks.
  • Measurement of plasma concentrations of Vitamin C, uric acid, sulfhydryl groups, vitamin E, and bilirubin.
  • In vitro assessment of plasma peroxyl radical trapping capacity using the TRAP assay.

Main Results:

  • Significant postnatal decline observed in Vitamin C, uric acid, and sulfhydryl groups.
  • Postnatal rise in Vitamin E concentrations and typical biphasic bilirubin course.
  • Plasma TRAP capacity decreased postnatally, correlating with reduced uric acid levels.
  • Breast-fed infants showed higher bilirubin and TRAP values compared to formula-fed infants.

Conclusions:

  • Major postnatal alterations in plasma chain-breaking antioxidants occur in preterm infants.
  • Decreased antioxidant capacity may increase preterm infants' vulnerability to oxygen toxicity.
  • Dietary influences (human milk vs. formula) may modulate antioxidant status and trapping capacity.

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