Selenium concentrations in expressed human milk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to systematically review articles that reported selenium (Se) concentrations in human milk (HM).

METHODS

using PRISMA guidelines we searched MEDLINE and Embase using the terms "human milk and Selenium". All clinical trials and systematic reviews were retrieved.

RESULTS

Out of 1141 articles, we reviewed 76 full-text articles, excluding 26. Thus, 50 articles were included in meta-analyses. Most studies (N = 31) did not specify whether milk was from mothers of preterm (PT) or fullterm (T) infants. In the other 19 studies, 1 examined PT-EHM, 15 T-EHM, and 3 both PT-EHM and T-EHM. In most studies, Se concentrations were highest in colostrum or until 3 months of lactation, then declined. Metaanalyzed means of PT-EHM or T-EHM provide estimates of Se intake a little higher than those reported to date, but still lower than current recommendations of intake.

CONCLUSION

This study provides clinicians with useful estimates of Se intake in breast-fed infants.