Concentrations of selenium in human milk

Abstract

 Selenium (Se) concentrations in 58 samples of mature human milk from Canarian women were determined by spectrofluorimetry. According to the literature the Se concentrations found fall within the normal limits. The concentration of Se in human milk was compared with that in powdered infant formula and presented significantly lower concentrations in the latter. Babies fed with human milk had an adequate intake of Se. However, babies fed with powdered infant formula consumed only 56% of the requirements recommended by The National Research Council. No changes in Se concentration were observed between lactation stages. Human milk produced in springtime was found to be richer in Se than that produced in the autumn, which could be due to changes in the nutritional habits of the mothers. The mother's age, weight, height and number of previous children were not found to influence the Se levels in the milk.