| Abstract: | This review of the nutritional needs of very low birth weight infants (VLBW) concluded that vitamin supplementation was indicated for vitamins A, D, C, and folic acid. With breast feeding or other circumstances, there may be marginal needs for vitamin E, K, B1, B2, and B6. Supplementation of VLBW depends upon the gestation age, which is related to the placental transfer and body stores at birth, and vitamin content of breast milk or formula (feeds), and volume and micronutrient composition of feeds. The infant's vitamin stores at birth are dependent on the nutritional status of the mother, particularly lipid soluble vitamins, which have been found to be higher in fetal cord blood than in maternal blood. The exception is B6, which crosses the placental barrier with difficulty. Preterm infants and infants of undernourished mothers usually have reduced levels of water soluble vitamins at birth. There is some variability in nutrients of feeds. Breast milk, for instance, has lower levels of vitamins D and K than recommended levels. Needs will also very with the presence of particular nutrients. For example, B6 requirements will vary with protein intake. Vitamin E requirements will depend on the amount of linoleic acid or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet. Tryptophan in the presence of B6 allows the synthesis of niacin. Volume of feeding affects nutritional needs. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of specific nutrients for an infant up to 6 month of age and weighing 3-8 kg requires consumption of 500-1000 ml of breast milk or formula per day. A full term infant can receive sufficient nutrients with 450-750 ml, but below 400 would result in a deficit of vitamins. Unfortunately, the volume of feeds for VLBWs is too low in the first two weeks of life or until the body weight of 2000 g is reached; thus supplementation was recommended. Late anemia due to vitamin E deficiency may be prevented when the alpha tocopherol per gram of polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio is equal to or higher than the recommended levels. When intake of vitamin K at birth is insufficient, deficiencies may appear later; the recommendation was .2 to 1.0 mg at birth as a preventive regimen. Vitamin D was also recommended for both breast and formula fed infants. Pyridoxine/ g protein intake, folic acid, and vitamin C should be provided VLBW infants as indicated. |
