Objective: This study aimed to review the literature about blood concentrations of selenium
associated with gestational age, feeding, supplementation and related clinical
features in preterm infants. Data sources: Systematic review in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google academics,
SciELO. org, ScienceDirect (Elsevier) and CINAHL-Plus with Full Text (EBSCO).
Articles published up to January 2013 with the keywords "selenium deficiency",
"selenium supplementation", "neonates", "infants", "newborn" and "preterm infants"
were selected. Data synthesis: The studies reported that low blood selenium levels are associated with increased
risk of respiratory diseases. Preterm infants, especially with low birth weight,
presented lower selenium levels. Selenium deficiency has also been associated with
the use of oral infant formula, enteral and parenteral nutrition (with or without
selenium addition). The optimal dose and length of selenium supplementation is not
well-established, since they are based only on age group and selenium ingestion by
breastfed children. Furthermore, the clinical status of the infant affected by
conditions that may increase oxidative stress, and consequently, selenium
requirements is not taken into account. Conclusions: Prematurity and low birth weight can contribute to low blood selenium in
premature infants. Selenium supplementation seems to minimize or prevent clinical
complications caused by prematurity.
Lower plasma selenium levels have been detected since the start of the research and supplementation (2 µg/kg/day of selenous acid) was not to enough to approach the reference values.
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