The Influence of Dietary Factors on the Vitamin E Requirements of the Low Birthweight Infant

Abstract

Hospital, Malmo, Sweden). The influence of dietary factors on the vitamin E requirements of the low birthweight infant. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 296: 110, 1982.-The vitamin E requirements for the low hirthweight (LBW) infant varies with other dietary factors such as iron and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This interaction is caused by the influence of iron on the oxidative breakdown of lipids (lipid peroxidation). Thus the need for fortification of infant formulas with vitamin E increases if the formulas are iron fortified or have a high content of PUFA. A vitamin Eilinoleic acid ratio of >1 IUlg is currently recommended. Theformulas on sale in Sweden satisfies this recommendation. In breastmilk we found a vitamin El linoleic acid ratio of >1 lU/g in colostral and transitional milk. In mature breastmilk, however, 9 out of 24 samples showed a ratio <I IUig. Thus it is possible, that the LBW infant fed mature human milk may need a larger supplement of vitamin E than the formula fed infant.KEY WORDS: Vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron, human milk, low hirthweight.