[Selenium sufficiency in patients with malabsorption syndrome and its optimization with selenium enriched food...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Nutrition
• Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

• Malabsorption syndrome, often resulting from gastrointestinal surgery, can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients.
• Selenium is a vital trace element crucial for various physiological functions, including antioxidant defense and immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess selenium status in adult patients with malabsorption syndrome post-gastric and small intestine resection.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a selenium-enriched food supplement in correcting selenium deficiency and suboptimal levels in these patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 15 adult patients with malabsorption syndrome was studied.
• Selenium security was assessed, followed by a 3-week dietary intervention with a daily 90 mcg organic selenium supplement.
• Serum selenium levels were monitored before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• Marked selenium deficiency (47%) and suboptimal selenium security (40%) were observed in the patient group.
• A significant increase (p < 0.003) in serum selenium levels was recorded after the 3-week supplementation period.
• The most substantial selenium level increases were noted in patients with the most severe initial selenium insufficiency, suggesting a physiologically responsive correction.

Conclusions:

• Patients with malabsorption syndrome frequently exhibit inadequate selenium levels.
• Dietary supplementation with organic selenium is an effective strategy for improving selenium status in this patient population.
• The observed "physiologic" response indicates targeted correction of selenium insufficiency through supplementation.