The nutritional status of vitamin E in neonates was examined on the basis of the measurement of α-tocopherol contents in plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, leukocytes, and buccal mucosal cells. In neonates, plasma α-tocopherol levels decreased, as repeatedly reported. However, low plasma tocopherol in neonates did not indicate poor vitamin E status, because low plasma lipids in neonates are responsible for the low plasma tocopherol level. Tocopherol levels in RBC in neonates did not show deficient state. Whereas, the levels in platelets, leukocytes and buccal mucosal cells were lower in neonates, as compared with those in children. The decreased levels of tocopherol in the neonatal cells, expect for RBCs, indicate a poor vitamin E status in neonates.
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