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Selenium Intakes, Absorption, Retention, and Status in Adolescent Girls

  • David H. Holben
  • , Anne M. Smith
  • , Jasminka Ilich
  • , John D. Landoll
  • , John P Holcomb
  • , Velimir Matkovic
    • Ohio University - Main Campus
    • Ohio State University

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Objectives To assess selenium intakes, absorption, retention, and status in healthy adolescent girls and the effect of calcium supplementation on selenium parameters.

    Design Annual 2-week study conducted each year for 3 consecutive years in which yearly selenium intakes, absorption, and retention and blood selenium status were measured.

    Setting A metabolic unit in a large metropolitan hospital located in Columbus, Ohio—a low selenium region of the United States.

    Subjects Healthy white girls aged 11 to 14 years (n=16) enrolled in a calcium balance study and randomly assigned to receive a placebo of methylcellulose (n=9) or a calcium supplement containing 1,000mg supplemental calcium as calcium citrate malate (n=7).

    Interventions Each subject consumed a diet with ∼100μg selenium/day during the yearly 2-week balance studies.

    Results Selenium status measurements (serum and erythrocyte selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity) were all within normal ranges for adults during the study. Apparent selenium absorption averaged 71%, 76%, and 74% for years 1,2, and 3 of the study, respectively, and did not vary significantly ( P >.05). Average daily selenium retention did not differ among the years of the study ( P >.05) and indicated that the usual selenium intake was ∼100μg daily. Measurements of selenium status and retention did not differ between calcium-supplemented and placebo groups.

    Conclusions An intake of ∼100μg selenium/day is the typical intake of the mineral among the subjects and appeared adequate to maintain selenium status in these healthy adolescent girls; in addition, calcium supplementation of 1,000mg daily does not have a negative impact on selenium paramet

    Original languageAmerican English
    JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association
    Volume102
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Aug 1 2002

    Disciplines

    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
    • Statistics and Probability

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