Enteral yeast-selenium supplementation in preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE
To study the bioavailability of selenium enriched yeast in preterm infants living in a low selenium area (Hungary).


METHODS
Thirty six preterm infants were randomly assigned to two groups at birth with respect to selenium supplementation. In the supplemented group (n = 18) infants received 4.8 mg of selenium enriched yeast containing 5 micrograms selenium daily.


RESULTS
In the supplemented group the serum selenium concentration increased from 36.1 (+/- 12.8) micrograms/l to 43.5 (7.9) micrograms/l and in the non-supplemented group it decreased from 34.4 (20.4) micrograms/l to 26.1 (16.6) micrograms/l from birth in two weeks. No complications or side effects as a result of supplementation were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Selenium enriched yeast is a safe and an effective form of short term enteral selenium supplementation for preterm infants.
National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Budapest, Hungary.
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Bogye
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Alfthan
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Machay
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Zubovics
D001682:Biological Availability; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D015002:Yeast, Dried
D012643:Selenium