Retinol and α-Tocopherol Levels in Preterm Infants With Two Different Parenteral Vitamin Solutions

We measured retinol and α-tocopherol in parenterally fed premature infants prior to and after 4-8 days of substitution with 2 iv-vitamin solutions; MVI ped.: multivitamins added to the aminoacids (2ml: Vit A: 280μg, Vit E: 2,8 mg); Vitalipid-N inf.: fat soluble vitamins added to iv-fat (2 ml: A: 140μg.; E: 1,4mg). 39 premature infants were randomized to receive 2 ml/kg/day of MVI (n=19) or Vitalipid (n=20). Blood samples were obtained prior to substitution and after 4-8 days. 23 healthy breastfed infants served as controls. Retinol and α-tocopherol levels increased sufficiently in both groups. There was no difference for retinol-levels, but tocopherol-levels were sig. better in the MVI group.Table

Table 1

Supplying fat soluble vitamins in iv-fat protects Vitamin A from light degradation and adherence to iv tubing, therefore lower supplementation is sufficient.