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Early vitamin AD supplementation reduces transfusion needs in preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Anemia of prematurity (AOP) is a common condition, often necessitating transfusion therapy. Although vitamin AD deficiency has been linked to anemia pathogenesis, the effect of supplementation timing on transfusion needs remains unclear. This study investigates the association between the initiation timing of vitamin AD supplementation and the number of transfusions received in preterm infants. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 226 preterm infants (gestational age <37 weeks) who received both blood transfusions and vitamin AD supplementation in a neonatal intensive care unit (2018-2022). The association was assessed using Spearman correlation. Segmented Poisson regression compared transfusion incidence rates before and after supplementation, controlling for hospitalization timeline. A conditional Cox model (Anderson-Gill) evaluated the impact on subsequent transfusion risk, adjusting for covariates. Patients were stratified by supplementation timing (≤14 vs. >14 days), with propensity score matching applied to balance groups. Independent factors were identified using generalized linear models. Results: = 0.544]. Conclusion: This study suggests an association between earlier vitamin AD supplementation and reduced transfusion needs in preterm infants, supported by a time-dependent protective effect. The specific optimal timing requires further prospective investigation.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1711120

Authors: Futao Li, Xuhui Ye, Pan Tian, Ping Zhou, Xintian Shen

Institution: Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Bao'an

Language: English

Topic: Iron Metabolism and Disorders

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801