title: Current perspectives on vitamin E in infant nutrition.
abstract: The human infant is born with low body stores of vitamin E. Thus, the infant requires an adequate intake of vitamin E soon after birth. If adequate sources of tocopherol are not provided, a clearly defined deficiency state characterized by hemolytic anemia and, after a period of years, spinocerebellar degeneration results. However, the benefit of pharmacologic doses of vitamin E given as prophylaxis against diseases believed to be related to oxygen toxicity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage) is not clear. Possible benefits must be balanced against the potential for serious toxicity. Few data are available on the pharmacokinetics of tocopherols in infants, particularly with respect to esterified forms of tocopherol, and little is known about the toxicity associated with parenteral administration of the vitamin.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Phelps
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D001205:Ascorbic Acid