Selenium in German infants fed breast milk or different formulas

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Pediatric nutrition
• Trace element metabolism

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element crucial for infant development and antioxidant defense.
• Infant diets, including breast milk and various formulas, can influence selenium status.
• Understanding selenium bioavailability from different infant diets is vital for ensuring adequate nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare selenium (Se) status in term infants fed different diets: breast milk (HM), cow's milk-based formula (F), and partially hydrolyzed whey protein formula (PHF).
• To assess changes in plasma Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity from birth to 4 months of age.
• To evaluate the relationship between dietary intake, plasma levels, and urinary excretion of Se.

Main Methods:

• Plasma Se and GSH-Px levels were measured at birth and 4 months in 129 term infants across three feeding groups.
• Urinary Se excretion was analyzed and correlated with plasma Se levels.
• Growth parameters (weight and length) were monitored to assess overall infant development.

Main Results:

• All infants exhibited low plasma Se levels during early infancy.
• Breast-fed infants maintained stable plasma Se, but GSH-Px activity decreased.
• Formula-fed infants showed a significant reduction in plasma Se, with the most pronounced decrease observed in the PHF group. Renal Se excretion was lower in formula-fed infants.

Conclusions:

• Partially hydrolyzed whey protein formula may lead to lower selenium status in infants compared to breast milk or standard cow's milk formula.
• Urinary selenium levels correlate with plasma selenium and may serve as a useful indicator of selenium intake and status in infants.
• Close monitoring of selenium status is recommended for formula-fed infants, particularly those on specialized formulas.