Vitamin D in preterm infants: A prospective observational study

E-ISSN： 1440-1754|51|7|679-681

ISSN： 1034-4810

Source： JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Vol.51, Iss.7, 2015-07, pp. : 679-681

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Abstract

AimPreterm infants are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency as a result of both maternal deficiency and inadequate supplementation. The quantity and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preterm infants are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of vitamin D status in preterm infants and the effectiveness of the hospital's nutritional practices in meeting current supplementation recommendations.MethodsA prospective observational study was undertaken in the Neonatal Unit at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide. Enrolled infants received a standardised nutrition protocol with emphasis on vitamin D supplementation. The main outcome measure was a comparison of the proportion of vitamin D‐deficient infants (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) at birth versus 36 weeks post‐menstrual age/discharge.ResultsTwenty‐eight infants born between 30 and 36 weeks gestation were enrolled. The proportion of vitamin D‐deficient infants decreased from initial to final measurement (32.1% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.016), whereas mean (standard deviation) 25(OH)D3 increased over the same period (58.4 (18.4) versus 82.9 (29.2) nmol/L, P < 0.001). Mean vitamin D intake was 643.6 (285.3) IU/day.ConclusionsCurrent nutritional practices are effective in meeting recommendations regarding vitamin D intake and result in a lower proportion of deficient infants at 36 weeks post‐menstrual age/discharge.