Shielding parenteral multivitamins from light increases vitamin A and E concentration in lung of newborn guinea pigs

Background & aims Exposure of parenteral multivitamin preparation (MVP) to light generates peroxides. Light-exposed MVP induces an oxidant stress in lung but not in liver. This discrepancy suggests differences in handling of infused antioxidant vitamins between the two organs. Hypothesis: antioxidant capacity of lung depends on the MVP concentration and light protection of infused solutions. Methods Protocol 1: four groups of three-day old guinea pigs received the base solution (5% dextrose + 0.45% NaCl) enriched with 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% MVP. Protocol 2: three further groups received the base solution + 2% MVP either light-exposed or light-protected or light-protected + 300 μM H2O2. After 4 days, lung and liver were sampled for vitamin determinations. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results In lung, vitamins A–C–E reached a plateau with 1% MVP. In liver, vitamin A and E increased according to their concentration in solutions. Light exposure and added-H2O2 were associated with lower vitamin E in lung and liver. Retinol was higher in lung and lower in liver of animals receiving light-protected compared to light-exposed solutions. Conclusions Light protection of 1% MVP is a better way to improve the pulmonary oxidant–antioxidant balance than to increase MVP (>1%) in parenteral nutrition.