Effect of carotenoid supplementation on plasma carotenoids, inflammation and visual development in preterm infants

Objective: Dietary carotenoids (lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene) may be important in preventing or ameliorating prematurity complications. Little is known about carotenoid status or effects of supplementation. Study Design: This randomized controlled multicenter trial compared plasma carotenoid levels among preterm infants (n = 203, <33 weeks gestational age) fed diets with and without added lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene with human milk (HM)-fed term infants. We assessed safety and health. Result: Plasma carotenoid levels were higher in the supplemented group at all time points (P < 0.0001) and were similar to those of term HM-fed infants. Supplemented infants had lower plasma C-reactive protein (P < 0.001). Plasma lutein levels correlated with the full field electroretinogram-saturated response amplitude in rod photoreceptors (r = 0.361, P = 0.05). The supplemented group also showed greater rod photoreceptor sensitivity (least squares means 6.1 vs 4.1; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Carotenoid supplementation for preterm infants raises plasma concentrations to those observed in HM-fed term infants. Carotenoid supplementation may decrease inflammation. Our results point to protective effects of lutein on preterm retina health and maturation. Journal of Perinatology (2012) 32, 418-424; doi:10.1038/jp.2011.87; published online 14 July 2011