Retinopathy of prematurity
Supplements studied for retinopathy of prematurity.
Overview
Multiple supplements have been studied for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants, but most show no clear benefit. Lutein (4 studies), Zeaxanthin (4 studies), Vitamin A (4 studies), Inositol (3 studies), and Algal Oil (1 study) do not appear to reduce ROP risk or severity in current trials. Myo-inositol may even increase adverse outcomes in one large study.
One very small Vitamin A trial reported risk reduction with high-dose drops, but this requires confirmation. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Lutein | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Inositol | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Algal Oil | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
5 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
InositolView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research involving very premature infants shows that giving myo-inositol for up to 10 weeks does not help prevent serious eye problems (retinopathy of prematurity) or reduce the risk of death.
- In fact, one large study found a slightly higher risk of death or eye disease and more side effects with myo-inositol.
- Follow-up over two years found no long-term benefits.
- Based on current evidence, myo-inositol is not recommended for treating retinopathy of prematurity in infants.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTNeurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants enrolled in myo-inositol randomized controlled trial2021
Follow-up of preterm infants from the NICHD inositol trial found myo-inositol supplementation did not alter neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Avg age
- 25.8±1.3
MetaThe efficacy and safety of inositol supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis2019n=1,194
A meta-analysis of preterm infant trials found inositol supplementation did not clearly prevent retinopathy of prematurity.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 1,194
RCTEffects of Myo-inositol on Type 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Preterm Infants <28 Weeks' Gestational Age: A Randomized Clinical Trial2018n=321
In 638 extremely preterm infants, myo-inositol did not reduce severe retinopathy of prematurity and was associated with higher mortality and complications versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 321
LuteinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research in preterm and low birth weight babies shows that giving lutein, with or without zeaxanthin, daily from birth until about 36–40 weeks does not lower the risk or severity of an eye condition called retinopathy of prematurity.
Browse 4 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaLutein supplementation and retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis2020n=406
A meta-analysis of 3 preterm infant RCTs (406 participants) found lutein/zeaxanthin did not significantly reduce ROP, NEC, BPD, or mortality versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 406
RCTLutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm very low-birth-weight neonates in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter randomized controlled trial2013n=229
In a multicenter RCT in preterm infants, lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly reduce retinopathy of prematurity, NEC, or BPD versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 0.14 mg lutein + 0.0006 mg zeaxanthin/day
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 229
RCTLutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a randomized controlled study2012n=114
In preterm infants, oral lutein/zeaxanthin 0.146 mg/day did not significantly reduce retinopathy of prematurity incidence versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 0.146 mg/day
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 114
RCTA prospective, randomized, double blind study comparing lutein to placebo for reducing occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity2011n=63
In 63 preterm neonates, lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly differ from placebo in ROP occurrence or severity.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 63
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Most studies show that giving vitamin A by mouth or injection does not reduce the chance of a serious eye problem called retinopathy of prematurity in very small premature babies.
- However, one very small study found that giving vitamin A drops in high doses helped lower the risk a lot, but this needs more research to be sure.
Browse 4 studies·3 meta-analyses
MetaEnteral Low-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation in Preterm or Low Birth Weight Infants to Prevent Morbidity and Mortality: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2022n=36
A meta-analysis of 4 trials (800 very low birth weight infants) found low-dose enteral vitamin A increased serum retinol but had no effect on mortality, sepsis, BPD, or hospital stay.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 26–32 weeks
- Dose
- ≤10000 IU/day vitamin A
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 36
MetaOral vitamin A supplementation in preterm infants to improve health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis2022n=800
A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (800 preterm infants) found oral vitamin A did not reduce mechanical ventilation duration or BPD at 36 weeks but shortened noninvasive ventilation by about 1 day.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 800
MetaVitamin A supplementation prevents the bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021n=1,409
A meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (1,409 preterm infants) found vitamin A supplementation reduced BPD incidence (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.88) without affecting mortality, ROP, or NEC.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 1,409
Oral vitamin A supplementation for ROP prevention in VLBW preterm infants2020
A study of 9 infants found that 3,000 IU/kg/day for 28 days the percentage of babies requiring treatment for ROP was 0 in treated and 16.6 in the un-treated group (p = 0.020).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 28 days
- Population
- Infants
ZeaxanthinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not known if taking zeaxanthin alone helps prevent retinopathy of prematurity, an eye condition in premature babies.
- Studies giving small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin daily from birth until almost full term did not lower the chances or severity of this eye disease compared to placebo.
Browse 4 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaLutein supplementation and retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis2022n=406
A meta-analysis of 3 preterm infant RCTs (406 participants) found lutein/zeaxanthin did not significantly reduce ROP, NEC, BPD, or mortality versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 406
RCTLutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm very low-birth-weight neonates in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter randomized controlled trial2013n=229
In a multicenter RCT in preterm infants, lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly reduce retinopathy of prematurity, NEC, or BPD versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 0.14 mg lutein + 0.0006 mg zeaxanthin/day
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 229
RCTLutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a randomized controlled study2012n=114
In preterm infants, oral lutein/zeaxanthin 0.146 mg/day did not significantly reduce retinopathy of prematurity incidence versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 0.146 mg/day
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 114
RCTA prospective, randomized, double blind study comparing lutein to placebo for reducing occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity2011n=63
In 63 preterm neonates, lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly differ from placebo in ROP occurrence or severity.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Infants
- Participants
- 63
Algal OilView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers after very premature birth does not seem to lower the risk of eye problems called retinopathy of prematurity in their babies.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Free Survival in Breastfed Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=528
An RCT in 528 breastfed preterm infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not improve bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival at 36 weeks; BPD was actually more common in the DHA group (41.7% vs 31.4%).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 36 weeks postmenstrual age
- Dose
- 1.2 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 528
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lutein | ★★★★★40% | 4 | 1 | 25% |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★40% | 4 | 3 | 25% |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★40% | 4 | 1 | 25% |
| Inositol | ★★★★★40% | 3 | 1 | 19% |
| Algal Oil | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 6% |