Plasma and erythrocyte (RBC) tocopherol-isomer concentrations were determined serially in forty-two premature infants (25-35 weeks gestation) from birth to 8 weeks of age. For comparison purposes vitamin E status was also determined in six term infants over the first 8 d following birth and in a group of thirteen adult volunteers. Vitamin E intakes in term and preterm infants were calculated from recorded food intakes and blood transfusions. In term infants plasma vitamin E concentration rose from 1.9 mg/l (day 1) to 8 2 mg/l by day 8. In comparison preterm plasma vitamin E concentration, 0.3 mg/l (day I), did not change appreciably by day 8 (0.7mg/l). Likewise RBC vitamin E concentration increased in term infants from 1.3 mg/l (day 1) to 2.7 mg/l (day 8), while in preterm infants it remained unchanged, 1.5 mg/l (day 1) v. 1.3 mg/l (day 8). Over the 3 weeks following birth, RBC vitamin E concentrations in the premature infants increased to adult values, while plasma vitamin E concentration did not reach the adult range until 8 weeks post-term. These slow changes in plasma vitamin E status occurred even though the vitamin E intake of these infants was similar to that proving adequate for term infants.

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