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

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#selenium #humans #milk-human #infant-newborn #female

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

Ish et al., 2024 | J Perinatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ish Shalom Ohad, Lubetzky Ronit, ... Mandel Dror. Selenium concentrations in expressed human milk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Perinatol. 2024-Nov;44(11):1607-1610. doi:10.1038/s41372-024-02057-4

Abstract

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.

Key Findings

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 h

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 31
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Selenium
  • Humans
  • Milk, Human
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Female
  • Colostrum
  • Breast Feeding
  • Infant, Premature
  • Lactation
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09