Selenium intakes and plasma selenium of New Zealand toddlers: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Little is known about Se intakes and status in very young New Zealand children. However, Se intakes below recommendations and lower Se status compared with international studies have been reported in New Zealand (particularly South Island) adults. The Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) randomised controlled trial compared a modified version of baby-led weaning (infants feed themselves rather than being spoon-fed), with traditional spoon-feeding (Control). Weighed 3-d diet records were collected and plasma Se concentration measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In total, 101 (BLISS n 50, Control n 51) 12-month-old toddlers provided complete data. The OR of Se intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR) was no different between BLISS and Control (OR: 0 center dot 89; 95 % CI 0 center dot 39, 2 center dot 03), and there was no difference in mean plasma Se concentration between groups (0 center dot 04 mu mol/l; 95 % CI -0 center dot 03, 0 center dot 11). In an adjusted model, consuming breast milk was associated with lower plasma Se concentrations (-0 center dot 12 mu mol/l; 95 % CI -0 center dot 19, -0 center dot 04). Of the food groups other than infant milk (breast milk or infant formula), 'breads and cereals' contributed the most to Se intakes (12 % of intake). In conclusion, Se intakes and plasma Se concentrations of 12-month-old New Zealand toddlers were no different between those who had followed a baby-led approach to complementary feeding and those who followed traditional spoon-feeding. However, more than half of toddlers had Se intakes below the EAR.

Automated summary

Little is known about Se intakes and status in very young New Zealand children. However, lower Se intakes and status compared with international studies have been reported in New Zealand adults. In this study, there was no difference in Se intakes and plasma Se concentrations between infants who followed a baby-led approach to feeding and those who followed traditional spoon-feeding. However, more than half of the toddlers had Se intakes below the recommended level.