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Selenium status of very low birth weight infants
J K Friel1, W L Andrews, D R Long
1Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
Insights
Very low birth weight infants fed standard formula had suboptimal selenium (Se) status. Increasing dietary intake improved Se status and glutathione peroxidase activity, suggesting higher formula Se levels are needed.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Adequate selenium (Se) is crucial for infant development and antioxidant function.
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have unique nutritional requirements.
- Standard infant formulas may not provide sufficient selenium for VLBW infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the selenium intake and status in VLBW infants.
- To evaluate the impact of formula selenium content on Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.
- To determine optimal selenium levels for VLBW infant formulas.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 82 VLBW infants.
- Measured selenium intake and Se-dependent GPx activity at multiple time points.
- Infants were fed formula containing 10 micrograms/L Se.
Main Results:
- Se intake and Se-dependent GPx activity were low in the first 6 months.
- Activity increased at 9 months with solid food introduction, indicating earlier suboptimal supply.
- Males had lower Se intake and activity than females.
Conclusions:
- Current infant formula selenium levels (10 micrograms/L) are insufficient for VLBW infants.
- Higher selenium content (20-25 micrograms/L) in formulas is recommended for VLBW infants.
- Ensuring adequate selenium supports optimal growth and antioxidant function in vulnerable infants.
Abstract:
The selenium (Se) intake and status of 82 very low birth weight infants (birth weight 1110 +/- 286 g, gestational age 29.2 +/- 3 wk, mean +/- SD) was assessed at 36.3 +/- 3 postconceptional wk, at 40.1 +/- 4 wk (hospital discharge), and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 +/- 0.75 mo corrected for gestational age. Infants were fed formula containing 0.13 mumol/L (10 micrograms/L) Se. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity in red blood cells declined corresponding to low Se intakes (micrograms/kd/d) for the first 6 mo. With increased consumption of solid foods, intakes of dietary Se and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity increased at 9 mo, suggesting that the earlier supply of Se was suboptimal. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity and intakes of Se were lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). We suggest that infant formulas should probably contain 0.26-0.33 mumol/L (20-25 micrograms/L) Se, particularly those formulas consumed by very low birth weight infants.