Vitamin E Absorption in Small Premature Infants

Abstract

The absorption of vitamin E, given by orogastric tube, was studied in premature infants who weighed less than 1.5 kg at birth. After the administration of either dl-alpha tocopherol or the acetate form, plasma tocopherol levels increased. In a second blind trial, 28 infants received either 25 units of dl-alpha tocopherol or placebo during the first six weeks of life. Plasma tocopherol levels in all treated infants were sustained in the normal adult range. The vitamin E-deficient state of premature infants can be corrected by oral therapy alone.

Efficacy of water-based vitamin E solution versus placebo in the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants

“…Only after 28 days of treatment did the concentration significantly increase in the treated group, although the serum vitamin E concentrations did not exceed 3.5 mg/dL. The low levels of vitamin E can be attributed to poor oral absorption due to immaturity of the digestive tract, resulting in poor fat absorption in premature neonates [34] . The low levels found in this study also can be attributable to the preparation of solutions.…”

“…The low levels of vitamin E can be attributed to poor oral absorption due to immaturity of the digestive tract, resulting in poor fat absorption in premature neonates. [34] The low levels found in this study also can be attributable to the preparation of solutions. Previous research reported that vitamin E supplementation increased levels (>3.5 mg/dL) and could possibly reduce the risk of severe ROP but increase the risk of sepsis, [18] our results avoiding potentially dangerous solvents decrease the potential toxicity of commercial vitamin E preparations.…”