Plasma Selenium Levels in Celiac Disease Patients on a Gluten -Free Diet

In-tro-duc-ti-on: Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten-induced enteropathy that results in malabsorption of nutrients such as selenium. A high incidence of malignancy in CD has been previously reported. Selenium is known to have a protective role against cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether there is an effect on serum selenium levels in children with CD on a gluten-free diet. Materials and Methods: Serum levels of selenium were studied in 17 children (mean age 5.64±3.30 years) with CD and 20 age-and gender-matched healthy children. CD was diagnosed according to ESPGHAN criteria. All the patients were clinically well and had been on gluten-free diets for 11.11±1.98 (mean±SE) months. All patients were fully consistent with the diet. The concentration of selenium was determined by a periodically validated atomic absorption spectrometer (Perkin Elmer AAS 700 system). Wet ashing procedure was used for all samples and controls. Results: In CD group one child’s (5.8%), and in control group three children’s (%15) serum selenium levels were found under normal limits. There was no statistically significant difference between serum selenium levels and the duration of gluten free diet (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in serum selenium levels between celiac patients (124.19±12.31 μg/L) and control group (92.47±12.06 μg/L), (p>0.05). Discussion: It can be concluded that, normal levels of serum selenium in children with CD can be achieved with fully compatible gluten-free diet and a balanced diet which supplies daily selenium requirement. (Jo-ur-nal of Cur-rent Pe-di-at-rics 2012; 10: 55-8)