Abstract
The RBC-MDA assay is an indirect estimate of antioxidant protection at the membrane level. Weekly E and RBC-MDA levels were run on 85 LBW infants (See table below). Infants received 25 to 50 IU of E qd when oral feeds were begun. Non-iron enriched formulas were used until retinal vasculature was mature. Multivitamins were added when parenteral alimentation (Vit E, 5 IU/500 ml)was stopped. Though 74% of those in the larger BW group had E levels ≥ lmg/dl by age 2 weeks, 84% had excessively high RBC-MDA levels (>2 SD above the adult mean of 102 ± SD 35 nM/gHgb). Only 40% of the smaller infants had E levels ≥1mg/dl. Their spuriously lower % of abnormal RBC-MDA levels reflects a greater admixture of transfused adult RBC,not a state of improved E nutrition. We conclude that many LBW infants on oral E at the recommended dosage will remain E deficient, as defined by peroxidizability of membrane lipids.
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