Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants.

Selenium (Se) concentration in human milk in Poland is below 10 ng ml-1 and the Se intake by breastfed infants is about 6 micrograms day-1. Supplementation of lactating mothers with selenium-enriched yeast increases rapidly and significantly the Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in maternal blood components. Se concentration in milk is also significantly elevated. After 1 month the mean Se intakes by breastfed infants were greater than the recommended dietary allowance of 10 micrograms day-1 for infants from birth to 6 months of age.