Selenium Kinetics in Humans Change Following 2 Years of Supplementation With Selenomethionine

Background Selenium (Se) is a nutritionally essential trace element and health may be improved by increased Se intake. Previous kinetic studies have shown differences in metabolism of organic vs. inorganic forms of Se [e.g., higher absorption of selenomethionine (SeMet) than selenite (Sel), and more recycling of Se from SeMet than Sel]. However, the effects on Se metabolism after prolonged Se supplementation are not known. Objective To determine how the metabolism and transport of Se changes in the whole-body in response to Se-supplementation by measuring Se kinetics before and after 2 years of Se supplementation with SeMet. Methods We compared Se kinetics in humans [n = 31, aged 40 +/- 3 y (mean +/- SEM)] studied twice after oral tracer administration; initially (PK1), then after supplementation for 2 y with 200 mu g/d of Se as selenomethionine (SeMet) (PK2). On each occasion, we administered two stable isotope tracers of Se orally: SeMet, the predominant food form, and selenite (Na-2 (SeO3,)-Se-76 or Sel), an inorganic form. Plasma and RBC were sampled for 4 mo; urine and feces were collected for the initial 12 d of each period. Samples were analyzed for tracers and total Se by isotope dilution GC-MS. Data were analyzed using a compartmental model, we published previously, to estimate fractional transfer between pools and pool masses in PK2. Results We report that fractional absorption of SeMet or Sel do not change with SeMet supplementation and the amount of Se absorbed increased. The amount of Se excreted in urine increases but does not account for all the Se absorbed. As a result, there is a net incorporation of SeMet into various body pools. Nine of the 11 plasma pools doubled in PK2; two did not change. Differences in metabolism were observed for SeMet and Sel; RBC uptake increased 247% for SeMet, urinary excretion increased from two plasma pools for Sel and from two different pools for SeMet, and recycling to liver/tissues increased from one plasma pool for Sel and from two others for SeMet. One plasma pool increased more in males than females in PK2. Conclusions Of 11 Se pools identified kinetically in human plasma, two did not increase in size after SeMet supplementation. These pools may be regulated and important during low Se intake.

Automated summary

Through studying Se kinetics in humans before and after supplementation with SeMet, it was found that Se absorption increased but not all absorbed Se was excreted in urine. The size of some Se plasma pools increased after supplementation, indicating a net incorporation of SeMet into various body pools.