Correction of vitamin D deficiency in a cohort of newborn infants using daily 200 IU vitamin D supplementation. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Onwuneme, C.; Diya, B.; Uduma, O.; McCarthy, R.; Murphy, N.; Kilbane, M.; McKenna, M.; Molloy, E.
• Is Part Of: Irish journal of medical science. Volume 185:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 683
• Page End: 687
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Vitamin D -- Supplementation -- Term infants -- Neonates; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1007/s11845-015-1341-2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-1265

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Although the role of vitamin D in the prevention of rickets has long been well established, controversies still exist on the ideal dose of vitamin D supplementation in infants. Objective We assessed serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) status simultaneously in maternal and cord samples and the response to vitamin D3 supplementation in neonates. Methods Serum 25OHD levels were evaluated from maternal, and umbilical cord samples from term normal pregnancies. Repeat 25OHD levels were assessed in neonates with 25OHD below 30 nmol/L following vitamin D3 200 IU daily after 6 weeks. Results Blood samples were taken including 57 cord samples and 16 follow-up neonatal samples. Maternal and cord serum 25OHD were 43 ± 21 and 29 ± 15 nmol/L, respectively. Infants with 25OHD < 30 nmol/L (19.8 ± 4.7 nmol/L) had a significant increase in serum 25OHD (63.3 ± 14.5 nmol/L) following vitamin D3 200 IU daily after 6 weeks. Conclusion Healthy Irish infants born at term are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, but vitamin D3 200 IU daily, rapidly corrects poor vitamin D status.