The effect of an enriched selenium-76 supplement on dietary monitors and glutathione peroxidase activity

The objective of this study was to determine if a stable enriched tracer of Se-76 could be used to establish the delay time between a dietary intake of selenium and its appearance in various matrices. Selenium, an essential trace element, has been investigated at the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) for several years. Several matrices have been studied to determine selenium status in humans; these include fingernails, toenails, blood, hair, and urine. A cohort of five women and seven men was utilized for this study. Each subject ingested selenium supplements which were enriched in Se-76 (96.48%). Fingernails, toenails, whole blood, and blood sera were collected as biochemical indicators. Selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined in blood sera and whole blood to monitor the effect of the selenium supplement in these matrices. Selenium concentrations were determined in fingernails and toenails prior to supplementation and for several months afterward to determine the delay time for the appearance of selenium. The effects of the selenium supplement on the selenium concentrations of the fingernails, toenails, whole blood, and blood sera and the effect of the supplement on glutathione peroxidase activity will be reported.