SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E IN CORD BLOOD FROM PRETERM AND FULL TERM INFANTS

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Abstract
Se was determined in erythrocytes and serum, and vitamin E and .beta.-lipoprotein in serum from cord blood samples of 31 full term and 20 preterm infants. Venous samples from 21 mothers at birth and 15 normal adult women were also analyzed. No difference for either Se or vitamin E was found between the preterm and full term infants. The Se concentration in red blood cells was the same for newborn, mothers at birth and normal adult women. The serum concentration of Se was significantly lower in the newborn, the mean level in the infants being 64% of that in the mothers. The level in the mothers did not differ from that in non-pregnant women. The vitamin E concentration was correlated very well with the .beta.-lipoprotein concentration. Differences in the transport capacity may account for the large difference in the serum tocopherol levels of mothers at birth and newborn.