Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Trace Mineral Antioxidant Enzyme and Amino Acid Metabolism in Infants

Effect of Parenteral and Enteral Selenium Supplementation on Trace Mineral Antioxidant Enzyme and Amino Acid Metabolism in Low Birth Weight Infants

The objectives of the study were to assess the serum selenium, zinc, and copper status and plasma and white blood cell antioxidant enzyme activities of low birth weight infants receiving selenium supplemented and non-selenium supplemented parenteral nutrition from initiation of parenteral nutrition until discontinuation of preterm formula or hospital discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Weight less than 1500 g at birth
• Not capable of receiving enteral feedings prior to 7 days postnatally

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metabolic abnormalities such as inborn errors of metabolism
• Current viral infections
• Enterocolitis confirmed by diagnosis
• Presence of congenital anomalies, severe cardiac disease, liver disease, severe renal and neurological diseases, cholestasis, hemolytic disease and severe gastrointestinal disease
• Evidence of chronic white blood cell disease