title: Vitamin E absorption in small premature infants.
abstract: The absorption of vitamin E, given by orogastric tube, was studied in premature infants who weighed less than 1.5 kg at birth. After the administration of either dl-alpha tocopherol or the acetate form, plasma tocopherol levels increased. In a second blind trial, 28 infants received either 25 units of dl-alpha tocopherol or placebo during the first six weeks of life. Plasma tocopherol levels in all treated infants were sustained in the normal adult range. The vitamin E-deficient state of premature infants can be corrected by oral therapy alone.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014811:Vitamin E Deficiency / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D014810:Vitamin E