Whole blood selenium in exudative age-related maculopathy.
OBJECTIVE
We tested whether exudative ARM was associated with low whole blood levels of selenium (Se).


METHODS
Blood samples, drawn from 10 exudative ARM patients (61.2-76.1 yr) and 9 healthy-eyed (66.9-75.1 yr) subjects, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy.


RESULTS
Selenium concentration was significantly lower in the ARM group (186.6 microg/l) than in controls (207.0 microg/l). Because many ARM patients took Se supplements, we tested the effect on blood Se of 80 microg per day of sodium selenate. We found no enduring effects of supplementation for healthy-eyed, younger adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant group differences in this preliminary study indicate a larger-scale study of blood Se concentration in exudative ARM patients is warranted. If the effect of Se supplementation on the progression of exudative ARM is tested in future trials, it will be important to use organic Se, to identify the components of blood affected, and to observe protocol for at least six months.
Mayer
M J
MJ
Psychology and Psychobiology, SSII, University of California, Santa Cruz 95064, USA.
van Kuijk
F J
FJ
Ward
B
B
Glucs
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood*; D018038:Sodium Selenite / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D012643:Selenium; D018038:Sodium Selenite