Selenium in maternal and infant nutrition
Milner, J.A.; Picciano, M.F.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 78(9): 412-414
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 3463328 Document Number: 700046
The physiological role of selenium (Se) in fetal development is reviewed. Since young mammals appear to be most susceptible to Se deficiency, a discussion on the high risk group, infants is presented. Milk is discussed as a source of Se. Currently, there is little information available which can serve as a basis for a recommended dietary allowance for Se. For adults, a range of safe and adequate dietary intake of 50 to 200 ug/day is estimated from animal studies. This information is not available for infants. Considerable information on the chemistry of Se is available; some of its biological action is known, but its status in humans is debatable. Selenium inadequacy in infants results from dependence on a single food for total nutrition, suggesting that Se intake is a factor in growth, development and disease resistance in humans.