Selenium status and absorption of zinc (65Zn), selenium (75Se) and manganese (54Mn) in patients with short bowel syndrome.

Selenium level and activity of glutathione peroxidase in plasma were studied in seven patients with extensive short bowel resection due to Crohn's disease, before and during 27-54 weeks of intake of a vitamin and trace element supplement containing 50 micrograms of selenium as sodium selenite. Initial levels of selenium were normal in all except one of the patients. The supplementation had no or minor effects on plasma selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity. The absorption of zinc, manganese and selenium was measured with a radionuclide technique before and/or after the supplementation period in five of the patients. The absorption of zinc and manganese was similar to that observed earlier in healthy subjects, while the absorption of selenium was significantly lower. The results indicate that a higher selenium intake or a different form of selenium is needed in these patients to compensate for the impaired bowel function.