| abstract |
Disclosed is a method of reducing the risk or severity of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. The method comprises (a) measuring skin carotenoid levels in preterm infants, preferably by Raman Spectroscopy, and then (b) administering supplemental carotenoids to those infants in need thereof, wherein the supplemental carotenoids comprise lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. The supplemental carotenoids may be provided by an infant formula comprising, on a ready-to-feed basis, from about 100 to about 2000 mcg/liter of total carotenoids, wherein the total carotenoids include at least about 50 mcg/liter of lutein. The formulas may further comprise docosahexaenoic acid. |