Influence of maternal selenium status on human milk selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity

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Abstract
This study assessed whether relationships existed between maternal indices of selenium (Se) nutrition and milk content of Se and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Samples of milk (n = 72) collected at 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk postpartum and blood from lactating (n = 10) and control (n = 8) women were analyzed. Plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations and plasma GSH-Px activity were significantly lower in lactating than in control women. Maternal plasma Se concentration was positively correlated with plasma GSH-Px activity (r = 0.53, p less than 0.01) and with milk Se content (r = 0.61, p less than 0.01) and GSH-Px activity (r = 0.51, p less than 0.01). Stage of lactation did not influence either milk or blood values. Milk Se concentration was positively correlated with milk GSH-Px activity (r = 0.81, p less than 0.001). Results indicate that human milk Se content and GSH-Px activity are directly influenced by maternal Se nutrition.