A taste comparison of two different liquid colecalciferol (vitamin D3) preparations in healthy newborns and infants.
BACKGROUND
It is recommended that Swiss infants have a minimum intake of 10.0 microg of colecalciferol (vitamin D3) per day during the first 12 months of life. For this reason they are prescribed an alcoholic solution containing colecalciferol. However, it has been stated that the palatability to infants of the alcoholic colecalciferol preparation is poor.


METHODS
In an ambulatory care setting, the palatability of two liquid preparations that contained colecalciferol dissolved in either alcohol or in vegetable oil was investigated in 40 healthy newborns and 30 infants. Each study subject sampled both preparations once, and the blinded mother rated the child's reaction on a visual analogue scale that incorporated a facial hedonic scale.


RESULTS
In 38 newborns, oily colecalciferol was preferred with no difference between the two preparations in the remaining two cases. In 27 infants, oily colecalciferol was preferred with no difference between the two preparations in three infants. None of the 70 study subjects preferred the alcoholic preparation. The difference between the two preparations was significant both in newborns (p < 0.0001) and in infants (p < 0.0005).


CONCLUSIONS
From the perspective of the child, the taste of oily colecalciferol is superior to that of alcoholic colecalciferol.
Martínez
Juan M
JM
Division of Pediatrics, Ospedale della Beata Vergine Mendrisio and Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Bartoli
Federica
F
Recaldini
Elena
E
Lavanchy
Laure
L
Bianchetti
Mario G
MG
D002755:Choice Behavior; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012996:Solutions; D013649:Taste
D012996:Solutions; D002762:Cholecalciferol