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Generational differences in selenium status of women

Biological Trace Element Research volume 75, Article number: 157 (2000) Cite this article

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study of three generations of women, daughters (19–26 yr), mothers (40–58 yr) and maternal grandmothers (67–84 yr) from the same 10 families in central Ohio were studied to determine the effect of life-cycle differences, including estrogen status, on selenium status. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) selenium and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were determined and typical dietary selenium intakes were calculated from food-frequency questionnaires. Selenium status was lowest in the oldest generation. Plasma selenium of daughters and grandmothers were significantly lower than those of mothers, and plasma GPx and RBC selenium of grandmothers were also lower than those of the mothers. A positive correlation (r=0.42, p<0.04) was found between plasma estrogen and plasma selenium concentrations. Selenium intakes of all groups were adequate and no differences in selenium intakes were found among groups. The results of this study indicate that selenium status fluctuates during the female life cycle and is related to estrogen status.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Nutrition & Food Management, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH

    Anne M. Smith, Marie Peng-Hsing Chang & Lydia C. Medeiros

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  1. Anne M. Smith
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  2. Marie Peng-Hsing Chang
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Smith, A.M., Chang, M.PH. & Medeiros, L.C. Generational differences in selenium status of women. Biol Trace Elem Res 75, 157 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:75:1-3:157

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:75:1-3:157

Index Entries

  • Selenium status
  • glutathione peroxidase activity
  • estrogen
  • female life cycle
  • effect of age on selenium status