Report on the 1986 A.S.P.E.N. Research Workshop on selenium in clinical nutrition

Highlights of a 1986 workshop on selenium (Se) in clinical nutrition are discussed. Evidence on the nutritional requirements of Se was reviewed, linking the Keshan disease of women and young children in China to a Se deficiency. Other workshop topics included Se metabolism, methods for assessing Se status using blood analysis, and the need for Se in total parenteral feeding. It was concluded that the need for Se supplementation must be determined by the physician.(wz)