Reversal of Selenium Deficiency with Oral Selenium

To the Editor: Although selenium deficiency causing low erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and cardiomyopathy has been recognized in human beings,^{1 ,2} proof is lacking that supplements of selenium will reverse the abnormal state. Van Rij et al.¹ reported little change in the selenium level and glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes after 24 days of intravenous selenium supplementation in a patient with selenium deficiency. We report here the effect of oral selenium supplementation on selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes. After total parenteral nutrition for 14 months, during which multiple enterocutaneous fistulas from necrotizing pancreatitis were repaired, a 39-year-old man.