Preterm infants may need higher daily intake of vitamin D
Preliminary data from a randomized, double-blind trial reveal that giving preterm babies daily supplementation of 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D reduces vitamin insufficiency that may lead to softening and weakening of their bones.
Preliminary data from a randomized, double-blind trial reveal that giving preterm babies daily supplementation of 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D reduces vitamin insufficiency that may lead to softening and weakening of their bones.
At 40 weeks, a group of preterm infants receiving 800 IU of vitamin D3 showed lower insufficiency than a group receiving 400 IU (38% vs 67%, respectively) and the lower rate held at 3 months corrected age (12% vs 35%, respectively).
Despite improvement in serum vitamin D levels in the 800 IU group, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at 3 months did not reveal better bone mineralization.
Natarajan CK, Sankar MJ, Agarwal R, et al. Daily vitamin D supplementation with 800 IU vs. 400 IU in preterm infants: a randomized trial. Paper presented at: Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting; May 2013; Washington, DC.
Newsletter
Access practical, evidence-based guidance to support better care for our youngest patients. Join our email list for the latest clinical updates.
