Vitamin D Status and the Adequacy of Vitamin D Intake in Early Preterm Infants

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. Deficiency of vitamin D is widespread. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in early preterm infants is unknown. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a daily intake of 400 IU in order to achieve a serum concentration of 20 ng/ml of vitamin D. This recommendation presumes exposure to sunlight, the best source of vitamin D. This study assesses vitamin D status at birth and during hospital stay in infants delivered delivered at earlier than or at 32 weeks gestation. We also assess the adequacy of intake relative to the target set by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children.