Plasma Levels of Retinol, Retinol-binding Protein, all-trans Beta-Carotene and Cryptoxanthin in Low Birth Weight Infants

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In neonatal medicine, it is thought that retinol is useful for preventing CLD and for fetal development. However, β-carotene and other vitamin A precursors have not been studied in neonates with CLD or other disorders. Cord blood of neonates including ELBW and VLBW infants was assayed for plasma levels of retinol, RBP, β-carotene and cryptoxanthin. Plasma β-carotene levels in ELBW and VLBW were lower than that in term infants, but plasma cryptoxanthin levels in ELBW and VLBW were about the same as in term infants. Plasma retinol and RBP levels showed almost same levels during 23-41 gestational weeks. Maternal smoking reduced plasma β-carotene but not cryptoxanthin, retinol, or RBP levels. IUGR was associated with increased cryptoxanthin levels in cord blood. Serious neonatal diseases, including CLD and ROP manifested no significant effects on the cord blood vitamin levels. Thus, the occurrence of these diseases at birth could not be predicted by examination of vitamin levels in cord blood.