Abstract
Selenium is an essential trace element for human health and biology. Increasing evidence suggests that this mineral plays an important role in the normal growth and reproduction in animals and humans. In many countries, selenium dietary intake falls below the recommended nutrient intake and is inadequate to support maximal expression of the selenoenzymes. Pregnancy is a period of increased metabolic demands due to a series of continuous changes occurring within the woman’s physiology and the requirements of her growing fetus. During this time, insufficient stores or intake of vitamins or minerals, such as selenium, can have adverse effects on the pregnant mother and/or fetus. Numerous reports implicate selenium deficiency in several reproductive and obstetric complications, including male and female infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, small-for-gestational-age infants, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, as well as problems in early childhood. This chapter describes the biological functions of selenium prior to a detailed review of associations between selenium status and reproductive health.
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