title: Selenium deficiency and the effects of supplementation on preterm infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to review the literature about blood concentrations of selenium associated with gestational age, feeding, supplementation and related clinical features in preterm infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google academics, SciELO. org, ScienceDirect (Elsevier) and CINAHL-Plus with Full Text (EBSCO). Articles published up to January 2013 with the keywords "selenium deficiency", "selenium supplementation", "neonates", "infants", "newborn" and "preterm infants" were selected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The studies reported that low blood selenium levels are associated with increased risk of respiratory diseases. Preterm infants, especially with low birth weight, presented lower selenium levels. Selenium deficiency has also been associated with the use of oral infant formula, enteral and parenteral nutrition (with or without selenium addition). The optimal dose and length of selenium supplementation is not well-established, since they are based only on age group and selenium ingestion by breastfed children. Furthermore, the clinical status of the infant affected by conditions that may increase oxidative stress, and consequently, selenium requirements is not taken into account.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prematurity and low birth weight can contribute to low blood selenium in premature infants. Selenium supplementation seems to minimize or prevent clinical complications caused by prematurity.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Renata Germano B O N
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Clinicas, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Roberto Jose N
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Maria Angela R G M
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Antonio
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Antonio de Azevedo
authors.initials: Ade A
authors.lastname: Barros-Filho
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hessel
mesh_terms: D003677:Deficiency Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012643:Selenium / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012643:Selenium