Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
08:45
Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
Published on: May 10, 2022
Urinary selenium and iodine during pregnancy and lactation
C D Thomson1, M A Packer, J A Butler
1Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Summary
Pregnancy and lactation impact selenium metabolism in women with low selenium status. Selenium levels decreased during pregnancy, but total excretion was higher, while iodine excretion remained low.
Area of Science:
- Human nutrition
- Trace element metabolism
Background:
- New Zealand's environment is deficient in selenium and iodine.
- Understanding selenium and iodine metabolism during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of pregnancy and lactation on selenium and iodine metabolism in pregnant women with low selenium status.
- To determine urinary excretion of selenium and iodine during pregnancy and postpartum.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 35 pregnant and 17 non-pregnant women.
- Supplementation with 50 µg selenium as L-selenomethionine or placebo daily during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum.
- Monthly collection of blood and 24-hour urine samples for selenium and iodine analysis.
Main Results:
- Plasma selenium and urinary selenium excretion decreased during pregnancy.
- Total selenium excretion was higher during pregnancy compared to postpartum.
- Urinary iodine excretion was low, with no observable trends due to high variability.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy and lactation significantly affect selenium metabolism in women with low selenium status.
- Urinary excretion of selenium is influenced by dietary intake, plasma concentrations, lean body mass, and glomerular filtration rate.
- Further research using speciation techniques is needed to clarify selenium metabolism mechanisms.
More Related Videos
08:46Dose Uptake of Platinum- and Ruthenium-based Compound Exposure in Zebrafish by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry with Broader Applications
Published on: April 21, 2022
08:00Colorimetric Assessment of Deiodinase 1 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes Using the Sandell-Kolthoff Reaction
Published on: April 10, 2026
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...
01:29Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...