 Inositol is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol produced by the fetus and placenta and is present in high levels in fetal blood throughout pregnancy in humans and other animals. Serum levels fall rapidly after birth, although this fall is moderated in infants who receive breast milk or fortified formula. Two randomized trials have shown that intravenous inositol supplementation in the first week significantly reduced death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD, and retinopathy. One study of enteral supplements given orally or via feeding tube was less convincing, but also supported reduction of retinopathy. 