Thomas B. Cooley

Relationship between vitamin D intake and linear growth in infants.

Over a 3-year period the Research Laboratory of the Childrens Fund of Michigan, cooperating with the Childrens Hospital of Michigan, has studied the effect of certain accessory food factors on nutrition, growth and development of infants during the first year of life. Data have been collected which appear to confirm the findings of Stearns, Jeans and Vandecar, 1 who, in an extensive individual study, demonstrated a close relationship between vitamin D intake and linear growth. Over 500 infants∗ from urban families of indigent or near-indigent class have been observed. Infants whose family background predisposed to defect and infants presented for initial examination after reaching 10 weeks of age were rejected. The children were observed to the end of their first year of life. A carefully balanced artificial diet was prescribed, based on evaporated milk, and the chief elements supplied gratis to the parents.† A daily supply of vitamin C considered adequate was supplied by commercial dehydrated lemon juice powder. Vitamin D was administered in the form of irradiated evaporated milk or standardized cod liver oil.δ Carbohydrates were added in the form of Karo syrup. Solids were added to the diet at suitable ages. During monthly visits to the clinic the infants received medical examinations, anthropometric measurements; x-rays of the extremities were taken to be used in appraisal of subclinical rickets, scurvy, or other physical defects. Hemoglobin determinations and red and white blood cell counts were made. Capillary resistance tests for the diagnosis of scurvy (Gothlins method) were made on 112 of the infants, psychometric examinations on 127. Detailed records were maintained. Two trained nurses assisted in the clinic and supervised the care of the child in the home. They made frequent visits to the home for this purpose, carrying necessary supplies, and checking the records of feeding and care kept by the mother.

The care of premature infants

During a pregnancy, the baby grows in the mother’s uterus (womb) usually for 38 to 40 weeks. When a baby is born prematurely (too early), the baby may require special medical care. The level of extra care needed often depends on how early the birth occurs. Premature babies weigh much less than full-term infants because they have not had the full amount of time for growth inside the uterus. Babies born very early in pregnancy are extremely small and fragile. They may weigh less than 2 pounds. They require specialized intensive care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Doctors and nurses who work in NICUs have specialized education to care for premature infants and their problems. Equipment in a NICU, such as incubators and ventilators, is made especially for premature infants and their special needs. Health problems for babies who are born prematurely may not end when the baby goes home from the hospital. They may need special medical care as they grow older. The February 12, 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article about children who were born prematurely.