title: Vitamin E and selenium status of patients receiving short-term total parenteral nutrition.
abstract: In a prospective protocol, plasma tocopherols, selenium (Se), Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase, platelet aggregation and erythrocyte hemolysis were measured in 23 control subjects, and 15 patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), before and after 2 wk of TPN unsupplemented with vitamin E and Se. The results indicate that short-term TPN did not alter status of these nutrients. However, TPN patients had significantly lower plasma levels of Se (p less than 0.01) and alpha-tocopherol (p less than 0.01) relative to control subjects. Low plasma levels, with no attendant decrease in function, suggest a marginal depletion. In view of this, and considering the low amount of vitamin E and Se supplied by the TPN solutions, supplementation with these nutrients is recommended.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014810:Vitamin E; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D012643:Selenium