Prevalence of Vitamin A and Vitamin D Deficiency in Hospitalized Neonates in Xi'an, China.

Background and Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency and the associated factors in hospitalized neonates in Xi'an, China. Methods and Study Design: A total of 524 hospitalized neonates were collected in this study. Serum vitamin A and D concentrations were detected in neonates within two weeks of birth. Results: Serum vitamin A and D concentrations of hospitalized neonates were 0.55 +/- 0.21 mu mol/L and 42.0 +/- 20.6 nmol/L, respectively. They were greater in full-term neonates than in preterm neonates, greater in rural neonates than in urban, and greater in single than in twin (all p<0.001). The prevalence of vitamin A and D deficiency were 14.9% and 33.0%, the prevalence of marginal vitamin A deficiency was 64.7%, and vitamin D insufficiency was 35.1%. Neonatal serum vitamin A and D concentrations were all positively correlated with birth weight and gestational age. Neonatal serum vitamin D concentration was also positively correlated with maternal serum vitamin D concentration. Additionally, neonatal vitamin A concentration was positively correlated with neonatal serum vitamin D concentration. Conclusions: Vitamin A and vitamin D statuses are compromised in hospitalized neonates in Xi'an, especially in premature neonates, low birth weight neonates, twins, and those born in urban areas. Individualized supplementation with vitamin A and vitamin D in neonates should be a clinical consideration.