Vitamin D metabolism in the premature newborn: A randomized trial

Vitamin D metabolism in infants appears to have distinct differences from adults. Vitamin D supplementation was effective in raising 25(OH)D3 concentrations; however significant increases in 3-epi-25(OH)D3 also occurred. Increased 25(OH)D3: 24,25(OH)2D3 ratios in premature infants may be due to immature expression of CYP24A1. Further work is necessary to determine if there are developmental advantages to this unique vitamin D metabolism.