Effect of chronic ethanol consumption on selenium status and utilization in rats

Effects of chronic ingestion of 2 levels of alcohol on selenium (Se) utilization were determined in initially Se-depleted rats. Male weanling rats were fed ad lib a Se deficient (0.012 mg/kg) basal diet for 4 weeks and then were meal-fed low or marginally adequate Se in the form of high Se yeast for 4 weeks. During Se repletion, ethanol, which replaced medium-chain triglycerides in the diet, provided 10 or 20 percent of food energy. The basal diet provided 80% of food energy as well as adequate protein, vitamins and minerals. In rats given adequate Se moderate chronic ethanol consumption did not influence Se absorption or retention, but increasing ethanol level raised Se in liver and whole blood in a linear fashion and in kidney in a quadratic manner. In this rat model measures of Se status were reduced by low Se intake, not chronic moderate ethanol ingestion.