Serum alpha-tocopherol and selenium in Belgian infants and children

Previous studies showed low selenium (Se) concentrations in Belgian childre n. Serum a-tocopherol, retinol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, selenium (Se), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were examined. In order to obtain further informa tion on the Se status in Belgian children, Se, cx-tocopherol, retinol, and lipid concentrations were examined and signs of peroxidative Lipid damage w ere evaluated in a subgroup. The study was performed in 524 children (0-14 yr old) during vaccination ca mpaigns. Three age groups were analyzed: 0-1, 1-4, and 4-14 yr. In 87 of th em, where sufficient amounts of serum were available, analysis of thiobarbi turic acid-reactive substances was done. Infants have high serum a-tocopher ol concentrations: (23.2 mu mol/L [median and interquartile range: 18.6-30. 2]) and low Se concentrations (0.37 mol/L [0.27-0.47]). Se concentrations r ise significantly during the first 4 yr (p < 0.0001) (Mann-Whitney U-test, tied p-values): 0.70 <mu>mol/L (0.59-0.82); in the 4-14 yr olds, it was 0.7 5 mu mol/L (0.67-0.86). These values remain low compared to results coming from other parts of the world. a-Tocopherol concentrations decrease signifi cantly after infancy (p < 0.0001). The ratio <alpha>-tocopherol/total chole sterol is higher in infants. This is induced by the high vitamin E content of infant formulas. Signs of serum lipid peroxidation could not be detected by analysis of serum malondialdehyde concentrations. High alpha -tocopherol concentrations, as those observed in infant serum li pids, could be one of the protective mechanisms from the peroxidative lipid damages, sometimes observed in a low-Se status.