Abstract
BackgroundLow selenium (Se) status is associated with several diseases. International organizations have proposed intakes of Se for general populations, including infants. Studies of the association of Se concentration in breast milk and maternal diet have yielded inconsistent results. We evaluated the relation between the intake of food items during pregnancy and Se concentration in human milk after delivery and compared infant intake of Se from breast milk with the recommended intakes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was part of the baseline assessment of a prospective cohort of Italian mother–child pairs enrolled in 1999–2001. Se concentration was measured in the milk of 100 women included in the cohort and correlated with the intake of food items during pregnancy and lactation as reported in a food frequency questionnaire.ResultsAmong foods consumed in pregnancy, only eggs had a positive, but weak, correlation with Se concentration in milk (r = 0.20, P = 0.04). Fish intake during lactation was also weakly correlated with Se in milk (r = 0.21, P = 0.04). Se content of breast milk in our population was lower than that noted in other international studies; however, very few children who were exclusively breastfed were estimated not to have met the recommended Se intake.ConclusionsFuture research should aim to verify whether infants in this part of Italy still meet the recommended nutrient intake of Se and to assess the influence of the concurrent diet of lactating mothers on the Se content of their milk.
Highlights
Selenium (Se) has a number of biological effects
Estimates of Se requirements have been based on the epidemiologic evidence from the areas of China with endemic or nonendemic Keshan disease, and on the attempt to maximize the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidases (GPx), the selenoproteins through which Se exerts its biological effects.[3]
When we considered the frequency of current fish consumption, we observed a moderately significant positive correlation of fish intake with Se concentration in breast milk and a borderline significant correlation with other seafood
Summary
Selenium (Se) has a number of biological effects. In the human body, it has a role as an antioxidant, in thyroid hormone metabolism, in redox reactions, in reproduction, and in immune function. Estimates of Se requirements have been based on the epidemiologic evidence from the areas of China with endemic or nonendemic Keshan disease, and on the attempt to maximize the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidases (GPx), the selenoproteins through which Se exerts its biological effects.[3] Se requirements for the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer may be even higher.[3] various countries have used the criterion of maximization of plasma GPx, different Se intakes are recommended around the world.[3] A Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/ WHO) Expert Committee on Human Vitamin and Mineral Requirements proposed a recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for Se of 6 μg/day in infants aged 0 to 6 months weighing approximately 6 kg.[4] no functional indicator of Se status has been demonstrated that reflects response to dietary. Conclusions: Future research should aim to verify whether infants in this part of Italy still meet the recommended nutrient intake of Se and to assess the influence of the concurrent diet of lactating mothers on the Se content of their milk
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