Selenium fortification of infant formulas: does selenium form matter?

Abstract

Selenium is a trace element essential for the health and development of the growing infant. It is a necessary component of proteins and enzymes required for a variety of functions, including antioxidant defense, modulation of the inflammatory response, and production of thyroid hormones. In breast-fed infants, selenium stores depend on the selenium content of the mother's diet. In formula-fed infants, selenium levels are correlated to the residual selenium stores accumulated in utero and the level and type of selenium fortification used in the formula. Today, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that infant formulas contain selenium at levels between 2.0 and 7.0 μg per 100 kcal. While the US FDA does not recommend a particular selenium form for fortification, evidence indicates that organically bound selenium forms (e.g., selenomethionine and selenium-enriched yeast) are better absorbed and retained than inorganic forms (e.g., selenite and selenate). Preliminary data from studies in adults do suggest that fortification with standardized selenium-enriched yeast may offer benefits compared to fortification with other organically bound selenium forms. However, because most studies evaluating the impact of selenium fortification of infant formula have assessed inorganic selenium supplements, additional research into the bioavailability and outcomes associated with the use of selenium-enriched yeast in infants is needed.

Selenium–Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food

“…A country that introduced selenium supplementation due to a low concentration of selenium in the environment and too low supplementation of this element in the diet of people was Finland [85,86,87]. Effects of selenium supplementation can be observed after a few weeks.…”

Minerals in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development

“…To assure better bioavailability, concomitant consumption with phytic acid should be avoided (hexa and pentaphosphate of inositol), which is the primary food factor known for impeding zinc binding to transporter cells. To counteract this, proteins of animal origin collaborate and increase the bioavailability of zinc, so favoring a better absorption [43]. However, long-term and excessive intake of zinc can cause copper deficiency and subsequent neutropenia [44].…”

“…Selenium acquired during pregnancy is maintained in reserves in the newborn, especially those born at an adequate gestation time, since the buildup of this mineral in the uterus occurs in the third trimester. However, such reserves are low, and it is necessary to acquire selenium via maternal milk, which also has a variable content according to the quantity acquired by the mother via diet [16,43,101].…”

“…However, generally, the concentration of this mineral in the maternal milk is sufficient to fulfill the baby's requirements (either born at full-term or pre-term). After the exclusive breastfeeding period, it is necessary to introduce food sources of this mineral [16,43,101].…”

“…Among the common diseases are retinopathy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and other lung disorders. Besides maternal milk, supplementation with milk formulas is an alternative way to supply the needs of this mineral, depending on the available content in the formula [43].…”