title: Selenium status of very low birth weight infants.
abstract: The selenium (Se) intake and status of 82 very low birth weight infants (birth weight 1110 +/- 286 g, gestational age 29.2 +/- 3 wk, mean +/- SD) was assessed at 36.3 +/- 3 postconceptional wk, at 40.1 +/- 4 wk (hospital discharge), and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 +/- 0.75 mo corrected for gestational age. Infants were fed formula containing 0.13 mumol/L (10 micrograms/L) Se. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity in red blood cells declined corresponding to low Se intakes (micrograms/kd/d) for the first 6 mo. With increased consumption of solid foods, intakes of dietary Se and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity increased at 9 mo, suggesting that the earlier supply of Se was suboptimal. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity and intakes of Se were lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). We suggest that infant formulas should probably contain 0.26-0.33 mumol/L (20-25 micrograms/L) Se, particularly those formulas consumed by very low birth weight infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Friel
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: L'Abbé
mesh_terms: D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000172:deficiency*
chemical_list: D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D012643:Selenium