Selenium and glutathione peroxidase levels in healthy infants and children in Austria and the influence of nutrition regimens on these levels.

Serum selenium values were investigated in 56 formula-fed and in 18 wholly breast-fed infants. In 14 of these infants, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was also investigated. Determination of selenium and GSH-Px was also done in umbilical cord blood of seven healthy newborns. In another 109 infants aged 1-15 yr, serum selenium values were investigated. A continuous fall of serum selenium values was noted in the first 3 mo of life. Low levels continued until the age of 6 mo with a mean of 36% of the umbilical cord vein level. Breast-fed babies of GSH-Px showed a less pronounced fall in selenium and had significantly higher levels of GSH-Px. GSH-Px activity was reduced from age 5 to 8 mo. Feeding of beikost caused a rise in the level of selenium. Children in the age groups 1-15 yr still had a significantly lower serum selenium level than adults.