Abstract
The use of purified aminoacid mixtures in children with inborn errors of metabolism on protein restricted diets has led to a reduction of the intake of most essential micronutrients. As an integral part of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), se is considered to be essential:it should thus be provided in adequate amounts as a biologically active compound as to prevent selenium deficiency.
We proceeded to supplement 1 child with lysinuric protein intolerance, born 3.1.81, whom se intake was 1.6 and 0.7 ug/day (safe and adequate intake: 10-30 ug/day)either with yeast-se, either with selenite (2 ug/kg day)during a period of 4 weeks each, at one year interval. Se was measured weekly with atomic absorption spectroscopy in plasma, BBC, urine, faeces and feeds. Weekly balances were calculated. OSH-Px activity was measured with butyl peroxide as substrate. Curing yeast-se supplementation, se retention approximated ±98% (25 ug se/day). Plasma se rose (from 9 to 32 ug/l) as did GSH-Px activity. There was no changes in se levels (±20 ug/l, N:50 ±12 ug/l), neither in GSH-Px activity during and after the selenite study. Se faeces loss:25% During this period the child showed also diarrhea, vomitirg, weight loss. In children on long term protein restricted diets, there is a need for se supplementation. Se has to be provided under a biologically active form. From this preliminary data we had to conclude that selenite was not available for metabolic processes.
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Van Caillie-Bertrand, M., Deschuytere, A., Deelstra, H. et al. 3 correction of selenium depletion: organic versus inorganic selenium (se) supplementation. Pediatr Res 20, 1034 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00057
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00057