Study on the correlation between levels of vitamin A and vitamin E and neonatal immune function and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Abstract

Vtamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) deficiencies are common in premature infants and may impair immune function, increasing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This study examined the link between VA and VE levels and neonatal immune function and NEC in 220 premature infants from 2022 to 2024. Infants were divided into VA, VE, VA+VE supplementation groups and a control group. After one month, VA and VE levels and immune function markers (T lymphocyte subsets) were reassessed. Results showed that VA and VE levels increased significantly in supplemented groups (P<0.05). Immune function improved, with the best results in the VA+VE group (P<0.05). NEC incidence was lowest in the VA+VE group (1.82%, P=0.031). Correlation analysis revealed that higher VA and VE levels were associated with better immune function and lower NEC risk (P<0.05). The concentrations of VA and VE are closely related to neonatal immune function and the occurrence of NEC. Supplementation with VA and VE may help prevent the occurrence of NEC in newborns.