What is the recommended intake of selenium for term infants receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition?

• A. < 1 mcg/kg/day
• B. 2 mcg/kg/day
• C. 3-4 mcg/kg/day
• D. 5-6 mcg/kg/day

Answer: (B)

Selenium is needed in PN to support antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, helping protect cells from oxidative damage. For term infants on long-term total parenteral nutrition, the amount that reliably maintains selenium status without risking toxicity is 2 mcg/kg/day. This dose provides enough selenium to support enzyme activity and immune function while staying within a safe range for prolonged use. Providing less than this increases the risk of deficiency, whereas higher doses (3–6 mcg/kg/day) are generally not necessary for term infants and could raise toxicity risk over time.