Dynamics of the vitamin D C3-epimer levels in preterm infants

Objectives: The primary objective was to determine levels of C3-epi-25 (OH) D in very low birth weight infants. The secondary objective was to evaluate the possible influence of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and season of birth on the production of C3-epimers. Methods: A total of 127 infants with birth weight less than 1,500 g met the inclusion criteria of the study. We examined 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25 (OH) D] levels and C3-epi-25 (OH) D in maternal serum before labor, and in cord blood and infants’ serum on days 14 and 28, and at discharge. Results: The mean levels (±SD) of C3-epi-25 (OH) D of the cord, on day 14, on day 28, and at discharge were 2.2 (2.9), 7.7 (5.5), 11.7 (7.6) and 14.9 (11.7) nmol/L respectively. The proportion of total 25 (OH) D as the C3-epimer was 6.9% (cord), 16.3% (day 14), 22.4% (day 28) and 23.3% (discharge). A statistically significant correlation between 25 (OH) D and C3-epi-25 (OH) D can be demonstrated from birth. The severity of immaturity and IUGR did not affect the production of C3-epimers. In summer/autumn vs. winter/spring, the mean (SD) percentage of total 25 (OH) D as the C3-epimer significantly differs only in maternal serum samples and umbilical cord samples (p value <0.001). Conclusions: The production of C3-epi-25 (OH) D is functional even in the most immature newborns, has fetal origins, and is largely dependent on circulating 25 (OH) D. At the end of the first month of life, C3-epimers make up more than 20% of 25 (OH) D.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Dynamics of the vitamin D C3-epimer levels in preterm infants ; volume:61 ; number:6 ; year:2023 ; pages:1084-1094 ; extent:11 ; Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine ; 61, Heft 6 (2023), 1084-1094 (gesamt 11)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Matejek, Tomas ; Zapletalova, Bara ; Stepan, Martin ; Malakova, Jana ; Palicka, Vladimir

Further information

• DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-1128
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023042514202032858516
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:49 AM CEST