Earlier, higher vitamin D for extremely preterm babies at two years
Effects of Earlier And Higher Vitamin D Supplementation in Extremely Preterm Newborns at 2 Years Of Age
This research asks if giving extremely preterm newborns a higher dose of vitamin D right after birth helps their lungs, bones, brain, and immune health by age two.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows babies born before 28 weeks who were part of a randomized comparison of two neonatal vitamin D plans (800 IU/day started within 96 hours vs the common 400 IU/day started after feeds). After the first month all infants receive the same 400 IU/day and researchers track health to age two. At two years they will check breathing and wheeze, bone density, thinking and development, and infections, and measure blood vitamin D levels. The team will also look at whether race, ethnicity, or other factors change which blood levels link to the best outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Extremely preterm infants (born before 28 weeks gestation) who were enrolled in the neonatal vitamin D protocol and whose caregivers agree to follow-up through age two are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Full-term infants, older children, or preterm babies not born before 28 weeks are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower chronic lung problems and improve bone health, development, and infection outcomes for extremely preterm infants.
How similar studies have performed: This builds on the ViDES neonatal randomized trial that provided early safety and dosing comparisons, but long-term benefits at age two remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero Lopez, Maria Del Mar — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Romero Lopez, Maria Del Mar
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.