Abstract
Previous studies showed low selenium (Se) concentrations in Belgian children. Serum α-tocopherol, retinol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, selenium (Se), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were examined. In order to obtain further information on the Se status in Belgian children, Se, α-tocopherol, retinol, and lipid concentrations were examined and signs of peroxidative lipid damage were evaluated in a subgroup.
The study was performed in 524 children (0–14 yr old) during vaccination campaigns. Three age groups were analyzed: 0–1, 1–4, and 4–14 yr. In 87 of them, where sufficient amounts of serum were available, analysis of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was done.
Infants have high serum α-tocopherol concentrations: (23.2 µmol/L [median and interquartile range: 18.6–30.2]) and low Se concentrations (0.37 mol/L [0.27–0.47]). Se concentrations rise significantly during the first 4 yr (p < 0.0001) (Mann-Whitney U-test, tied p-values): 0.70 µmol/L (0.59–0.82); in the 4–14 yr olds, it was 0.75 µmol/L (0.67–0.86). These values remain low compared to results coming from other parts of the world. α-Tocopherol concentrations decrease significantly after infancy (p < 0.0001). The ratio α-tocopherol/total cholesterol is higher in infants. This is induced by the high vitamin E content of infant formulas. Signs of serum lipid peroxidation could not be detected by analysis of serum malondialdehyde concentrations.
High α-tocopherol concentrations, as those observed in infant serum lipids, could be one of the protective mechanisms from the peroxidative lipid damages, sometimes observed in a low-Se status.
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Van Biervliet, S., Van Biervliet, JP., Bernard, D. et al. Serum α-tocopherol and selenium in belgian infants and children. Biol Trace Elem Res 79, 115–120 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:79:2:115
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:79:2:115