Changes in the elemental content of blood components by selenium supplement in humans

A study was undertaken to determine the concentration of selenium in whole blood, erythrocytes and plasma in samples obtained from three groups (each group consisting of one male and one female subject) given as a supplement a commercial product containing the element, together with vitamins A, C and E. Blood samples were obtained on one-day-a-week basis from each group, over a period of 75 days, both in the morning and in the afternoon, as part of a gastric function investigation, in which the subjects were given orange juice after fasting. Results indicate that the level of selenium in whole blood and its components increases with dose and time and that concentrations of the element are maintained for at least 45 days following cessation of supplementation. The influence of the supplement on some electrolytes such as Na, Cl, Br and Rb was also investigated. (author)