Different Doses of Vitamin D and T Regulatory Cells in Preterm Infants

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of 400 vs. 800 IU of Vitamin D on T Regulatory Cells in Preterm Infants

This study evaluate the effect of two different doses of vitamin D on T-regulatory cells in preterm infants. Half of the subjects receives 400 IU vitamin D and the other half receives 800 IU vitamin D.

Vitamin D, in addition to its bone mineralization effect, is an immune- modulatory agent. Fetal and premature cellular immunity are generally delayed. Whether vitamin D can enhance cellular immunity by increasing T regulatory cells is unknown. The effect of two different doses of vitamin D; 400 IU and 800 IU will be studied.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants with gestational age 28-33 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Bowel perforation
• Chromosomal anomalies
• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Major congenital anomalies