Selenium in Infants and Preschool Children Nutrition: A Literature Review

Nutrients. 2023 Nov 3;15(21):4668. doi: 10.3390/nu15214668.

Abstract

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is fundamental to human health, playing an important role in the formation of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, the immune response, and fertility. There is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological research, particularly the serum Se concetration in healthy infants and preschool children compared to the estimated dietary Se intake. However, Se deficiencies and exceeding the UL have been observed in infants and preschool children. Despite the observed irregularities in Se intake, there is a lack of nutritional recommendations for infants and preschool children. Therefore, the main objective of this literature review was to summarize what is known to date about Se levels and the risk of deficiency related to regular consumption in infants and preschool children.

Keywords: infant nutrition; preschool children nutrition; selenium deficiency; selenium-rich product.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Diet
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Nutritional Status
  • Selenium*
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Trace Elements*

Substances

  • Selenium
  • Trace Elements
  • Thyroid Hormones

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.