PubMed · 1979 · 31 citations · 0 references
MedicineNutritional SciencesPediatricsBioavailabilityHuman NutritionPediatric NutritionEarly-life NutritionInfant Micronutrient NutritionNeonatal NutritionNutrition In PrematurityVitamin E DeficiencyVitamin SupplementationAlpha-tocopherol DeficiencyInfant Micronutrient SupplementationNeonatal Vitamin E DeficiencyOral Tocopherol TherapyOrogastric Tube FeedingPediatric Vitamin E DeficiencySerum Tocopherol LevelsTocopherol Deficiency
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.