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Effect of carotenoid supplementation on plasma carotenoids, inflammation and visual development in preterm infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 32, pages 418–424 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

Dietary carotenoids (lutein, lycopene and β-carotene) may be important in preventing or ameliorating prematurity complications. Little is known about carotenoid status or effects of supplementation.

Study Design:

This randomized controlled multicenter trial compared plasma carotenoid levels among preterm infants (n=203, <33 weeks gestational age) fed diets with and without added lutein, lycopene and β-carotene with human milk (HM)-fed term infants. We assessed safety and health.

Result:

Plasma carotenoid levels were higher in the supplemented group at all time points (P<0.0001) and were similar to those of term HM-fed infants. Supplemented infants had lower plasma C-reactive protein (P<0.001). Plasma lutein levels correlated with the full field electroretinogram-saturated response amplitude in rod photoreceptors (r=0.361, P=0.05). The supplemented group also showed greater rod photoreceptor sensitivity (least squares means 6.1 vs 4.1; P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Carotenoid supplementation for preterm infants raises plasma concentrations to those observed in HM-fed term infants. Carotenoid supplementation may decrease inflammation. Our results point to protective effects of lutein on preterm retina health and maturation.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Kelly Samaie, Jamie Cash, Jason Schwamman, Candy Evans, Kathy Evans, Amy Brown, Sue Zhang, Jerry Young, Fabrizis L Suarez and Courtney Columbo for technical assistance; Pamela Price for her clinical expertise and guidance; the research personnel at each study site; and Rose Ann Mathai and Tawania St. John for help with manuscript preparation. We also thank Jane Carver, Judy Zaritt, Claire Roane, Bonnie Seekell, William J Cashore, Natalie Dweck, Lance Parton, Kristen Allen, Linda Genen, Paula Radmacher, Stefanie Varghese, Marcela Frazier, Carrie Rau, Donnell Creel and Sharon Groh-Wargo for their participation in this study. This study was supported by Abbott Nutrition.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    L P Rubin & T L Ashmeade

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    G M Chan

  3. Abbott Nutrition, Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH, USA

    B M Barrett-Reis, J S Oliver & A D Mackey

  4. Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    A B Fulton & R M Hansen

  5. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA

    R A Dimmit

  6. Department of Optometry, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA

    E E Hartmann

  7. Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    D H Adamkin

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  1. L P Rubin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to L P Rubin.

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Competing interests

BM Barrett-Reis, AD Mackey and JS Oliver are employees of the study sponsor, Abbott Nutrition.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on the Journal of Perinatology website

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Rubin, L., Chan, G., Barrett-Reis, B. et al. Effect of carotenoid supplementation on plasma carotenoids, inflammation and visual development in preterm infants. J Perinatol 32, 418–424 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.87

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.87

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