Work

The Ratio of Body Weight/Length Squared Relates to Low Serum α-Tocopherol in Preterm Infants

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Preterm infants are at high risk of developing α-tocopherol deficiency, since fat depots are low, intake may be insufficient, malabsorption may coexist, and dietary needs are high. Data on predictors of low α-tocopherol are still limited. Thus, this study aimed to assess the levels of α-tocopherol in preterm infants at birth and explore its anthropometric predictors. METHODS: Preterm infants (n=84) from a neonatal intensive care unit were studied. Weight, length, head circumference, and gestational age were recorded. The measurement of α-tocopherol levels was performed in the first 24 hours with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: was related to α-tocopherol deficiency independently of other covariates. CONCLUSION: Further studies are needed to prove the usefulness of this "easy-to-measure" proposed index in the early detection of α-tocopherol deficiency.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76575

Authors: Paraskevi Detopoulou, Panos Papandreou, Maria Skouroliakou

Institutions: University of Peloponnese, Harokopio University of Athens, IASO General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Infant Nutrition and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4405876225