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Selenium status, birth weight, and breast-feeding: pattern in the first month
Mirella Strambi1, Mariangela Longini, Piero Vezzosi
1Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Biological Trace Element Research
|July 6, 2004
Summary
Formula-fed small-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns have lower selenium status. Breastfeeding or selenium supplementation is crucial for adequate intake in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Neonatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for human health.
- Low selenium status is observed in formula-fed small-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns within the first month of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare selenium nutritional status in adequate-for-gestational age (AGA) and SGA newborns.
- To evaluate the influence of feeding type (breast milk, formula, mixed) on selenium status in the first month of life.
Main Methods:
- Assessed selenium status via plasma and erythrocyte concentrations.
- Utilized pulsed Zeeman effect-atomic absorption spectrophotometry for analysis.
- Studied 210 newborns (129 AGA, 81 SGA) across different feeding types from weeks 1-4 postnatally.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte selenium levels were unaffected by feeding type or birth weight.
- SGA newborns exhibited lower plasma selenium concentrations compared to AGA newborns.
- Formula-fed SGA infants showed significantly lower plasma selenium than breast-fed or mixed-fed SGA infants.
Conclusions:
- Breastfed SGA newborns demonstrated higher plasma selenium levels than formula-fed counterparts.
- Inadequate selenium intake is likely in formula-fed SGA infants unless supplemented from birth.
- Feeding practices significantly impact selenium status in SGA newborns.