Selenium concentrations in expressed human milk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element crucial for infant development.
• Human milk (HM) is the primary source of nutrition for infants.
• Accurate data on Se concentrations in HM is vital for assessing infant intake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing data on selenium concentrations in human milk.
• To provide updated estimates of selenium intake for breastfed infants.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase using terms 'human milk' and 'Selenium'.
• PRISMA guidelines were followed for study selection and data extraction.
• Data from clinical trials and systematic reviews were included in meta-analyses.

Main Results:

• Fifty articles were included in the meta-analyses after reviewing 1141 initial articles.
• Selenium concentrations in human milk were generally highest in colostrum and decreased after three months postpartum.
• Meta-analyzed mean selenium concentrations in preterm and term human milk were higher than previously reported but remained below current recommendations.

Conclusions:

• This review provides clinicians with crucial estimates of selenium intake via human milk for breastfed infants.
• Findings highlight potential gaps between actual and recommended selenium intake in exclusively breastfed infants.