Improved selenium, carnitine and taurine status in an enterally fed population

Ten adult, male, nonambulant and gastrostomy-fed individuals had received commercially available enteral feedings containing negligible amounts of selenium, carnitine, and taurine for an average of 59 months. Blood levels of these three nutrients were below published normal ranges as were the urinary excretions of carnitine and taurine. After 9 weeks on a product that was fortified with 23 micrograms of selenium, 39 mg of carnitine, and 38 mg of taurine per 8 ounces, blood levels were significantly increased with the levels of selenium and carnitine being normalized.