Abstract
Dietary carotenoids possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and light‐absorbing characteristics. Lutein is also the major component in infant retinal pigment. Preterm infants represent a population in which increased inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with common diseases of prematurity. Infants (n=203) < 33 wks GA were randomized to a regimen of preterm formulas with added carotenoids (SF) or control formulas without added carotenoids (CF) fed until 50 wks post‐menstrual age (PMA). Electroretinography at 50 wks PMA was used to evaluate photoreceptor response parameters. We found plasma lycopene, lutein, and beta‐carotene levels were higher in SF compared to CF at hospital discharge to 50 wks PMA (p < 0.0001). SF compared to CF had lower plasma C‐reactive protein at 40 wks PMA (p < 0.001). Plasma lutein concentrations at 50 wks PMA correlated with the saturated response amplitude in rod photoreceptors (r = 0.361, p=0.05). SF group had a greater rod photoreceptor sensitivity than CF (LS means 6.1 vs 4.1; p<0.05). Results from this trial indicate that carotenoid supplementation in preterm infant formula increases plasma concentrations to levels observed in human milk‐fed term infants. The data also suggest a protective mechanism for lutein in photoreceptor health through light absorbing and antioxidant activities. Carotenoid supplementation may also decrease inflammation in this population.
Published Version
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