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

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 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)

Antioxidant · Birth weight · Enteral administration · Gestation · Lipid peroxidation · Malondialdehyde · Olive oil · Parenteral nutrition · Birth, Development, and Health · Infant Nutrition and Health · Neonatal Respiratory Health Research