Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the requirement of vitamin D in VLBW infants

Background: Preterm infants are at a high risk of vitamin D (Vit. D) deficiency (VDD) defined as 25HydroxyVitamin D [25(OH)D] < 30ng/ml. VDD affects calcium metabolism, bone health and increases respiratory diseases. The vitamin D requirement in premature infants is uncertain. Data on the relationship between Vit.D intake and serum 25(OH)D in preterm infants are limited. Currently, the dose of Vit.D supplemented to VLBW infants through TPN is by manufacturer’s recommendation of 120 IU for infants < 1kg and 260 IU for infants between 1-3kg. The adequacy of this low dose for VLBW infants has not been well studied. Moreover the dose of vitamin D recommended for oral supplementation by different …