Effect of selenium supplementation on selenium balance in the dependent elderly

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nutrition Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Trace minerals, like selenium, are vital enzyme constituents.
• Dietary requirements for selenium in the elderly are not well-established.
• Selenium's role in enzymatic function and overall health is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine selenium balance in elderly men.
• To assess the impact of organic selenium supplementation on selenium status.
• To evaluate selenium's effect on platelet function and enzyme activity.

Main Methods:

• Measured selenium balance in six dependent elderly men.
• Administered 200 micrograms of organically-bound selenium daily for five weeks.
• Assessed selenium status via plasma selenium levels, red cell and platelet glutathione peroxidase activities, and platelet aggregation markers (beta-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4).

Main Results:

• Plasma selenium levels increased from 8.8 +/- 0.8 micrograms% to 12.8 +/- 1.9 micrograms% after supplementation.
• No significant increase in red cell or platelet glutathione peroxidase activity was observed.
• Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 decreased, indicating reduced platelet aggregation.

Conclusions:

• Selenium nutritional status in the elderly requires assessment beyond plasma selenium concentration.
• Biological markers, such as enzyme activity and platelet function, are crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.
• Organic selenium supplementation may influence platelet activity independently of glutathione peroxidase levels.