The Effect of Enteral Organic Extra Virgin Oil Supplementation in Premature Babies on Postnatal Growth, Premature Morbidities, and Oxidative Status

TL;DR

This study found that adding extra virgin olive oil to the diets of premature babies may improve their antioxidant levels and reduce harmful oxidation.

Contribution

The study introduces the use of low-acid extra virgin olive oil as an enteral supplement for very-low-birth-weight infants to improve oxidative status.

Findings

Olive oil supplementation significantly decreased MDA levels compared to the control group.

The intervention group showed a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) after the intervention.

No significant difference in weight gain was observed between the groups.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effects of enteral olive oil supplementation on growth and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in very-low-birth-weight infants, and to examine the association of these biomarkers with prematurity-related morbidities. Study Design: This prospective controlled study was carried out between November 2023 and March 2025, in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Infants born at <32 weeks of gestation with a birth weight under 1500 g who achieved full enteral feeding before the third postnatal week were enrolled. The intervention group received 1 mL/kg/day of low-acidity extra virgin olive oil added to enteral feeds until discharge, while the control group received standard nutrition. Daily weight measurements were monitored. Serum TAC and MDA levels were measured before intervention and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Results: Eighty-nine infants (48 intervention, 41 control) completed the study. No difference was found between weight gains. While TAC and MDA levels were similar before the intervention, MDA levels were found to be lower in the olive oil group after the intervention. When comparing the pre- and post-intervention changes between the two groups, a significant decrease in MDA levels and a significant increase in TAC values were observed in the olive oil group compared to the control group. Conclusions: Enteral supplementation with low-acid extra virgin olive oil may provide increased antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation products in very low birth weight infants. Trial registration: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06072625), (9 December 2023).

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