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Tissue selenium accretion in premature and full-term human infants and children
P A Bayliss1, B E Buchanan, R G Hancock
1Division of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, M5G 1X8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Biological Trace Element Research
|November 22, 2013
Summary
This study determined selenium (Se) tissue accretion in infants and children. Premature infants have lower Se stores, increasing their risk of deficiency, highlighting the need for tailored supplementation guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Accurate selenium (Se) supplementation guidelines for infant nutrition are crucial.
- Understanding Se tissue accretion in infants is essential for developing these guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the total organ Se content in infants and children from birth to 10 years.
- To compare Se accretion in full-term versus premature infants.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem tissue samples (liver, kidney, adrenal cortex, pancreas) were analyzed for Se concentration using neutron activation analysis.
- Total organ Se content was calculated from measured Se concentrations.
Main Results:
- Hepatic Se concentrations were similar in newborns but decreased in the first year, then increased.
- Total hepatic Se content was higher in full-term infants and increased with age and liver size.
- No significant differences in Se concentration were observed in kidney, pancreas, or adrenal tissues between groups.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants are born with lower Se stores, posing a higher deficiency risk.
- Falling hepatic Se in full-term infants may indicate dietary issues or normal redistribution.
- Further research is needed to refine Se supplementation for vulnerable infant populations.
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