Trace element nutrition status and dietary intake of children with phenylketonuria

Article Abstract:

Phenylketonuria, or PKU, is a genetic disorder which affects about 1 child in 10,000. The inherited inability to convert the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine results in an accumulation of phenylalanine and its metabolic byproducts in the body. Left untreated, the condition results in severe mental retardation and other serious health problems. Fortunately, the defect can be detected shortly after birth, and if the infant is placed on a diet low in phenylalanine, the disastrous accumulations do not occur and the most serious health consequences are avoided. However, the restricted diet necessary for these children may result in a dietary deficiency of trace elements, nutrients needed by the human body in small amounts. Since the data on trace element content of normal foods is not always adequate, it is difficult to assure that these children are getting enough copper, iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, and selenium. For this reason, the trace element nutrition status and the dietary trace element intake were measured in 20 children with phenylketonuria, all of whom were following the low phenylalanine diet. The dietary intakes of iron and copper were found to be higher than those of their normal siblings. For the trace elements zinc, manganese, and chromium, no significant differences were found. However, the children with PKU were found to have significantly lower dietary intake of selenium, averaging 8.4 micrograms per day in contrast with 41.6 micrograms per day for their normal siblings. This reduced dietary intake was reflected in lower levels of plasma selenium. Measurements of glutathione peroxidase, which is found in red blood cells, revealed reduced activity of this selenium-containing enzyme, suggesting that the dietary deficiency has physiological consequences. The plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity correlated with dietary intake. The results indicate that patients with phenylketonuria are not getting an adequate supply of selenium, and that foods rich in selenium might be beneficial. Since there is only a narrow margin between sufficient selenium and toxic amounts, the authors suggest that changes in the diet are preferable to selenium supplements. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Phenylketonuria, Selenium, Selenium (Chemical element), Trace elements in the body

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Trace element status in multiple sclerosis

Article Abstract:

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive disease of the nervous system, were evaluated to determine the levels of trace elements in their systems. Trace elements are nutrients needed in extremely small quantities, and include copper, zinc and selenium. Previous research had linked low selenium levels to multiple sclerosis, but the evidence was inconclusive. In a study, 27 MS patients were compared with healthy subjects by measuring the trace element levels in blood and red blood cells (RBC). MS patients had normal selenium levels, suggesting that this element plays no role in the causation or progression of MS. Normal zinc levels were found in the blood and RBC of MS patients as well. RBC copper was lower in MS patients than in normal control subjects, but this was attributed to the effects of steroid therapy. Of the 27 MS patients, 13 were taking steroid medication to help control their symptoms. The ratio of zinc to copper in the RBC was significantly greater in MS patients. The balance of zinc and copper may be abnormal in MS, which might either cause or result from MS. Treatment with steroids could influence this balance. Restricting or supplementing any of these nutrients in people with MS is not recommended, whether or not they take steroids. Identification of disturbances in trace element balance might prove useful in diagnosing the disease. In this group of patients, degree of disability was not related to trace element levels.

Multiple sclerosis

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Milk selenium of rural African women: influence of maternal nutrition, parity, and length of lactation

Article Abstract:

Selenium is an essential nutrient that is required in small amounts; it is one of the dietary trace elements. One function of selenium in the body is as a part of an enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells from damage by peroxides. The selenium content of breast milk is particularly important because breast milk is the only source of food for many infants during the stage of life characterized by the most rapid growth and development. At this time not enough information is available to estimate the selenium requirement of infants. The first step of studying which factors influence the selenium content of breast milk was undertaken. Milk samples were collected from women living in rural Gambia in West Africa. Selenium content was higher during the dry season, when food is abundant, than during the rainy season, when food is scarce. Thus the mother's nutrition had an effect on milk selenium. The stage of lactation (one to six months postpartum versus 13 to 19 months postpartum) was not associated with selenium content. During late lactation, mothers who had more previous pregnancies had less selenium in their milk; this influence of parity may relate to the cumulative effects of repeated pregnancies. Thus both maternal nutrition and parity influenced milk selenium content. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Food and nutrition, Infants, Nutritional aspects, Breast milk, Selenium in human nutrition, Selenium (Nutrient), Gambia

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