Delivery of vitamin A from parenteral nutrition solutions in neonates

J Paediatr Child Health. 1991 Jun;27(3):180-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1991.tb00382.x.

Abstract

The delivery of Vitamin A from parenteral nutrition may be suboptimal. To investigate this sample solutions were prepared and Vitamins A and E concentrations from the solution bags and the efflux from the lines were measured over a 24 h period. The results show that mean Vitamin A levels in the solution bags declined from a range of 57-66% to 17% of expected over 24 h and at the efflux of the lines from a range of 13-29% to 4% of expected, giving a calculated delivery of 10% of expected. There is no improvement with light protection or an ethylene vinyl acetate system. Mixing the vitamin preparation in lipid showed less decline (from 92 to 70% of expected over 24 h), but the delivery was variable. When vitamins were added to a lipid-dextrose-amino acid solution, there was minimal loss from the solution bag and line with a calculated delivery of 94% of expected. The delivery of Vitamin E from all systems was constant with a mean calculated delivery of 74% of expected. It was concluded that the mixing of multivitamins in dextrose-amino acid-electrolyte solutions results in poor delivery of Vitamin A and this is improved by mixing lipid solution. This is important in preterm infants who are prone to become Vitamin A deficient.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids
  • Electrolytes
  • Glucose
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Parenteral Nutrition*
  • Solutions
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin A / chemistry

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Electrolytes
  • Solutions
  • Vitamin A
  • Glucose