Effects of early nutrition on free radical formation in VLBW infants with respiratory distress

Objective: We studied the development of essential fatty acid deficiency (E FAD) and its effects together with those of vitamin E deficiency on the fre e radical formation of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with respirator y distress. Methods: Infants were divided into three groups based on the way each was s upplied with dairy total energy intake: (1) by fat free parenteral nutritio n only or by nutrition composed of (2) less than or (3) higher than 25% of total dairy energy intake given in oral feeding. We measured plasma lipid p arameters and autoxidative susceptibility (AOS) of red blood cells (RBCs). Results: Plasma concentrations of linoleic acid were low in all the groups. After at least 14 days of feeding, eicosatrienoic acid (EA) was not detect ed. One week after the introduction of oral feeding, the abnormal triene/te traene ratio of the groups had decreased, but was not normalized. Vitamin E deficiency was associated with significantly increased AOS, but EFAD was n ot. The two factors together caused an increase of AOS, that was additive. Conclusions: Our data confirm that EFAD increases AOS of RBCs in VLBW infan ts. We assume that prevention of EFAD in VLBW infants could decrease the pr evalence of complications associated with free radical formation.