Which statement about selenium supplementation in infants on PN is true?

Which statement about selenium supplementation in infants on PN is true?

• A. Selenium is always present in standard infant formulas
• B. Selenium supplementation is recommended after more than 1 month on PN
• C. Selenium has no role in CNS development
• D. Term neonates do not require selenium supplementation

Answer: (B)

Selenium is a essential trace element needed for antioxidant defenses and normal CNS development. In infants on parenteral nutrition, stores can be limited and ongoing PN can deplete selenium over time, so keeping selenium supplied is important as PN continues. The statement that supplementation is recommended after more than 1 month on PN aligns with the idea that prolonged PN increases the risk of selenium deficiency and warrants deliberate supplementation to maintain adequate levels. The other points are not accurate: standard infant formulas may not always provide selenium in sufficient amounts, selenium does play a role in CNS development, and term neonates on PN generally require trace element supplementation to prevent deficiency.

Selenium is a essential trace element needed for antioxidant defenses and normal CNS development. In infants on parenteral nutrition, stores can be limited and ongoing PN can deplete selenium over time, so keeping selenium supplied is important as PN continues.

The statement that supplementation is recommended after more than 1 month on PN aligns with the idea that prolonged PN increases the risk of selenium deficiency and warrants deliberate supplementation to maintain adequate levels. The other points are not accurate: standard infant formulas may not always provide selenium in sufficient amounts, selenium does play a role in CNS development, and term neonates on PN generally require trace element supplementation to prevent deficiency.