Selenium and vitamin E in cord blood from preterm and full term infants

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Selenium and vitamin E are essential nutrients with crucial roles in infant development.
• Cord blood analysis provides insights into nutrient status at birth.
• Maternal nutrient levels can influence neonatal nutrient availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare selenium and vitamin E concentrations in preterm and full-term infants.
• To assess serum selenium and vitamin E levels in newborns, mothers at birth, and non-pregnant women.
• To investigate the relationship between vitamin E, beta-lipoprotein, and serum tocopherol levels in newborns and mothers.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of selenium in erythrocytes and serum.
• Measurement of vitamin E and beta-lipoprotein in serum.
• Analysis of cord blood from full-term and preterm infants, maternal blood at birth, and adult women.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in erythrocyte or serum selenium and vitamin E between preterm and full-term infants.
• Similar selenium concentrations in red blood cells across newborns, mothers, and adult women.
• Significantly lower serum selenium levels in newborns (64% of maternal levels); maternal serum selenium did not differ from non-pregnant women.
• Strong correlation between vitamin E and beta-lipoprotein concentrations in maternal and newborn serum.

Conclusions:

• Newborns exhibit reduced serum selenium concentrations compared to their mothers, potentially due to transport mechanisms.
• Red blood cell selenium levels are consistent across neonatal and adult populations.
• Serum vitamin E levels in newborns are closely linked to beta-lipoprotein transport capacity, suggesting its role in nutrient delivery.