Pinto, K.Collins, C.Gibson, R.Andersen, C.2015-03-052015-03-052015Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2015; 51(7):679-6811034-48101440-1754http://hdl.handle.net/2440/89542AIM: Preterm infants are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency as a result of both maternal deficiency and inadequate supplementation. The quantity and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preterm infants are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of vitamin D status in preterm infants and the effectiveness of the hospital's nutritional practices in meeting current supplementation recommendations. METHODS: A prospective observational study was undertaken in the Neonatal Unit at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide. Enrolled infants received a standardised nutrition protocol with emphasis on vitamin D supplementation. The main outcome measure was a comparison of the proportion of vitamin D-deficient infants (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) at birth versus 36 weeks post-menstrual age/discharge. RESULTS: Twenty-eight infants born between 30 and 36 weeks gestation were enrolled. The proportion of vitamin D-deficient infants decreased from initial to final measurement (32.1% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.016), whereas mean (standard deviation) 25(OH)D3 increased over the same period (58.4 (18.4) vs. 82.9 (29.2) nmol/L, P < 0.001). Mean vitamin D intake was 643.6 (285.3) IU/day. CONCLUSIONS: Current nutritional practices are effective in meeting recommendations regarding vitamin D intake and result in a lower proportion of deficient infants at 36 weeks post-menstrual age/discharge.en© 2015 The Authorsneonatologynutritionpretermvitamin DJournal article003002283010.1111/jpc.128470003575078000072-s2.0-849344351332-s2.0-84923253036173341Collins, C. [0000-0003-3308-9948]Gibson, R. [0000-0002-8750-525X]Andersen, C. [0000-0002-1364-4986]