Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung condition that can develop in babies born very early, particularly those arriving before 32 weeks. It can cause long-term breathing problems that affect a child's growth, school performance, and daily life. Researchers wanted to know whether adding vitamin A and D drops to standard treatment could help protect these vulnerable lungs.
The study involved 126 extremely premature babies (all born before 32 weeks and weighing 1.5kg or less) admitted to a hospital between October 2022 and November 2024. One group received caffeine alone, the standard breathing support treatment. The other group received caffeine plus vitamin A and D drops together.
Vitamin drops cut BPD risk by more than half
The results were striking. Among babies who survived to 36 weeks, only 17% of those receiving the vitamin combination developed BPD, compared to 36% of those on caffeine alone. When researchers looked at the combined outcome of death or BPD together, the gap widened further: 20% for the vitamin group versus 42% for caffeine alone.
Beyond preventing BPD, babies receiving the vitamin combination also had better blood gas levels (a measure of how well their lungs work), lower inflammation markers, and needed less time on breathing machines and in the hospital overall.
The evidence is promising but still emerging
It's important to note this was an observational study, meaning it shows a strong link between the vitamins and better outcomes rather than proving the vitamins directly caused the improvement. The researchers acknowledged this limitation. However, the findings are consistent enough to warrant larger, randomised trials (the gold standard in medical research) before doctors change standard practice.
In Singapore, where neonatal care is advanced, premature birth rates remain low but do occur. For families with babies in intensive care, this research offers a specific conversation starter with your neonatologist about whether vitamin A and D supplementation might benefit your child's individual care plan.
Next steps for parents with premature babies
- Ask your neonatologist during NICU rounds whether vitamin A and D drops could be considered alongside your baby's current treatment plan.
- Share this study with your care team to support an evidence-based discussion about your baby's personalised care approach.