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Item Portable X-ray fluorescence of zinc and selenium with nail clippings – visit 3 of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI)(Elsevier B.V., 2025-10) Fleming DEB; Scott AR; Ouellette JA; Kim JS; Lefsay A; Jin Y; Coad J; Brough LIntroduction: Recent advances in portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) have opened up the possibility of a rapid and cost-effective method for measuring elemental content in nail clippings. Two elements of particular interest for intake assessment through nail clipping measurement are zinc and selenium. The New Zealand-based Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) provides an ideal testing ground for the application of portable XRF in the measurement of zinc and selenium. Two aspects requiring further study with portable XRF are the optimal time of measurement and the optimal approach to energy spectrum analysis. Methods: A subset of nail clippings from 20 mother-infant pairings were initially selected for analysis over three separate MINI study visits. This paper considers measurements from visit 3 (12 months postpartum). For portable XRF, a mono-energetic X-ray beam was used to excite characteristic X-rays from zinc and selenium. Individual XRF measurements were made for 60 s (real time). In each case, analysis of the elemental signal was performed in four different ways: (1) automated system output concentration; (2) element signal to total signal ratio; (3) element signal to Compton scatter signal; (4) element signal to coherent scatter signal. XRF results were compared against zinc and selenium concentrations obtained from a “gold standard” method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: ICP-MS results from the visit 3 nail clippings determined a mean zinc concentration of 104 µg/g and a mean selenium concentration of 0.606 µg/g. Analysis of XRF energy spectra from 60 s measurements showed that zinc was clearly detected in all cases. The selenium signal was more challenging, but was also detected from all spectra. For both zinc and selenium, correlations between XRF results and ICP-MS concentrations were highly significant (p < 0.01) in all cases, with the zinc results more strongly correlated than selenium. Of the four approaches to XRF signal analysis, the three approaches involving an external software package provided superior results relative to the automated system output. Correlations of XRF results with ICP-MS concentrations were similar between these three approaches. Conclusion: ICP-MS concentrations for both zinc and selenium were found to be lower from visit 3 relative to results from visit 1 and visit 2. This may indicate overall dietary changes postpartum. Correlations of XRF results with ICP-MS concentrations suggest that a relatively short 60 s measurement time is adequate for a reliable zinc assessment, but not for selenium. Although correlations of XRF results with ICP-MS concentrations were similar between three different methods of spectra analysis, practical considerations may favor use of the element signal to total signal approach.Item Portable X-ray fluorescence of zinc and selenium with nail clippings-Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI).(PLOS, 2024-10-23) Fleming DEB; Madani N; Kaiser MG; Kim JS; Keltie E; Drage N; Jin Y; Coad J; Brough L; Specht AZinc and selenium are essential minerals for human nutrition. Reliable biomarkers of zinc status and selenium status in humans are therefore important. This work investigates a novel portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method with the ability to rapidly assess zinc and selenium in nail clippings. This approach used a mono-energetic X-ray beam to excite characteristic X-rays from the clippings. Nail clippings were obtained from the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI), a study designed to assess nutrition in a population of women and their breastfed children in New Zealand. Twenty mother-infant pairings were selected to provide nail clippings at two time points (visit 1 at 3 months postpartum; visit 2 at 6 months postpartum). Nail clippings from each mother-infant pairing were divided into three groupings of clippings prior to analysis: those obtained from a big toe of the mother, those from the other toes of the mother, and those from the toes and fingers of the infant. Clippings were prepared and mounted prior to XRF measurement, providing four distinct fragments from each clipping grouping. These fragments were assessed by XRF using a measurement time of either 300 s (visit 1) or 180 s (visit 2). XRF results were determined through both an automated system output and an analysis of the X-ray energy spectrum. Following this assessment of zinc and selenium with the non-destructive XRF method, clippings were measured for zinc and selenium concentration using a "gold standard" technique of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mean ICP-MS concentrations ranged from 122 μg/g to 127 μg/g for zinc, and from 0.646 μg/g to 0.659 μg/g for selenium. Precision, assessed by a relative standard deviation of measurement, was superior for ICP-MS relative to XRF. For both zinc and selenium, XRF results were compared with ICP-MS concentrations. Linear equations of best fit were determined for each comparison between XRF and ICP-MS results. Coefficients of determination (r2) were stronger for zinc (from 0.74 to 0.95) than selenium (from 0.53 to 0.70). A decrease in XRF measurement time from 300 s to 180 s did not appear to adversely affect the correlation between XRF and ICP-MS results. Using the mono-energetic portable XRF method, the correlation of XRF zinc results with ICP-MS zinc concentrations was improved over previous findings, and selenium measurement was reported for the first time. The method may prove useful for future applications to trace element analysis using nail clippings as a biomarker.Item Do Micronutrient and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Affect Human Maternal Immunity during Pregnancy? A Scoping Review(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-01-15) Rees G; Brough L; Orsatti GM; Lodge A; Walker S; Pérez-Cano FJMaternal dietary micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids support development of the fetal and neonatal immune system. Whether supplementation is similarly beneficial for the mother during gestation has received limited attention. A scoping review of human trials was conducted looking for evidence of biochemical, genomic, and clinical effects of supplementation on the maternal immune system. The authors explored the literature on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from 2010 to the present day using PRISMA-ScR methodology. Full-length human trials in English were searched for using general terms and vitamin A, B12, C, D, and E; choline; iodine; iron; selenium; zinc; and docosahexaenoic/eicosapentaenoic acid. Of 1391 unique articles, 36 were eligible for inclusion. Diverse biochemical and epigenomic effects of supplementation were identified that may influence innate and adaptive immunity. Possible clinical benefits were encountered in malaria, HIV infections, anemia, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, and preventing preterm delivery. Only limited publications were identified that directly explored maternal immunity in pregnancy and the effects of micronutrients. None provided a holistic perspective. It is concluded that supplementation may influence biochemical aspects of the maternal immune response and some clinical outcomes, but the evidence from this review is not sufficient to justify changes to current guidelines.Item Effects of Probiotic and Selenium Co-supplementation on Lipid Profile and Glycemia Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.(2023-03) Mohammadparast V; Mohammadi T; Karimi E; Mallard BLPURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current systematic review and meta-analysis was done to evaluate the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on lipid profile and glycemia indices of the adult population using randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). RECENT FINDINGS: Five studies involving 282 participants with a sample size ranging from 38 to 79 were eligible to be enrolled in the current study. Co-supplementation with probiotic and selenium reduced fasting plasma glucose (WMD = -4.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: -5.87 to -2.18; P < 0.001), insulin (WMD = -2.50 mIU/mL; 95% CI: -3.11 to -1.90; P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD = -0.59; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.43; P < 0.001), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (WMD = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.02; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD = -12.75 mg/dL; 95% CI: -19.44 to -6.07; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = -7.09 mg/dL; 95% CI: -13.45 to -0.73; P = 0.029), and triglyceride (WMD = -14.38 mg/dL; 95% CI: -23.13 to -5.62; P = 0.001). The findings of the current systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that co-supplementation with probiotics and selenium may benefit adults in terms of glycemia indices and lipid profile. However, due to the small number of included studies, further trials are needed to confirm our findings.Item Investigations into the copper status of sheep grazing at different stocking levels : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Animal Science at Massey University(Massey University, 1974) Stevenson, John RichardA series of experiments were conducted to investigate the possible role of copper in limiting animal production at high stocking rates. Copper and selenium were administered to 494 four-tooth Romney ewes grazing at two different stocking rates. A significant (p<0.Ol) increase of 0.74 kg in lamb weaning weight was attributable to the supplementation of both elements. A depression in clean fleece yield (P<0.05) and a small improvement in fleece crimp clarity (P<0.05) were associated with copper and selenium supplementation respectively. Although both these effects reach significance at the P 0.05 level, they are considered to be due to chance. A winter fall (p<0.01) in mean plasma copper level was recorded in the high-stocked ewes. Further investigations were undertaken in another flock of 550 Romney ewes. Factors influencing plasma, liver and wool copper were determined and relationships between plasma copper level and various fleece and body variables assessed. Period and stocking rate were both shown to significantly (p<0.05) affect mean plasma copper. No effect of lambing rank or age of ewe could be shown. A small stocking rate by age interaction was recorded (P< 0.05 but this is considered to have arisen by chance. Of eighty one correlation coefficients determined between plasma copper level and various fleece and body variables, only six were statistically significant (P<0.05). No biological basis could be found to account for those shown to be significant. They are considered to have arisen by chance. No effect of stocking rate on either ewe or 'dead' lamb liver copper level could be established. Monthly wool copper determinations indicated that the midwinter, pre-lambing sampling was significantly depressed. No effect of stocking rate, age of ewe, or breeding rank could be established. Significant (P<0.05) botween-shcep differences were apparent. Concurrent determinations of wool zinc indicated a marked depression due to both an increased stocking rate, and the onset of winter and/or pregnancy (P<0.0l). Older ewes had higher mean wool zinc values (P<0.05). Additional observations on the plasma samples collected in previous experiments were undertaken. Mean plasma zinc levels were found to be significantly (P<0.0l) depressed by both a higher stocking rate and the onset of winter and/or pregnancy.Item The effects of supplemental vitamin E and selenium on feline immunity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2010) O'Brien, Teresa JBoth vitamin E and selenium are essential for optimal immune function and their supplementation in the diet is known to enhance various immune parameters in many species. Immune function may be enhanced further by their combined supplementation (Kubena & McMurray, 1996). There have been very few studies on the effects of vitamin E supplementation on immune function in the cat and it appears that vitamin E does not produce the same enhancement of immune parameters that has been found in other species, although older cats may benefit from supplementation (Hayek et al., 2000). No studies have investigated the effects of selenium supplementation or of combined vitamin E and selenium supplementation on immune function in the cat. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of both single and combined supplementation of vitamin E and selenium on immune function in the cat. The 4 week study followed a 3x3 factorial design with 9 diets, including a control or basal diet containing 68.2 IU/kg DM Vitamin E and 0.38 mg/kg DM selenium, and 8 diets supplemented with moderate or high levels of Vitamin E (250 or 500IU/kg DM diet) and/ or Selenium (2 or 10mg/kg DM diet). Blood samples were analysed for immune cell phenotype expression, lymphocyte proliferation to concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin, phagocytosis, immunoglobulin G concentration and prostaglandin E2 concentration. Results were analysed in SAS by mixed procedure repeated measures analysis. Vitamin E supplementation at both a moderate and high level were found to significantly increase lymphocyte proliferative responses to concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin, whether or not selenium was supplemented in the diet. Phagocytic activity was significantly in increased by vitamin E and combined vitamin E and selenium supplementation. Selenium supplementation alone had no significant effect on any of the immune parameters measured. None of the supplemental diets were found to have a significant effect on the expression of immune cell phenotypes, immunoglobulin G concentration or prostaglandin E2 concentration. Overall, a moderate level (250 IU/kg DM) of vitamin E supplementation may benefit feline immune health when supplemented in the diet. A higher level of vitamin E supplementation is unlikely to offer any added benefit to immune health and would add unnecessary cost to the manufacture of the diet. Selenium supplementation appears to offer no benefit to immune health in cats.Item The effect of consuming farmed salmon compared to salmon oil capsules on long chain omega 3 fatty acid and selenium status in humans : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2009) Pauga, MelanieSalmon is a good source of long chain (LC) omega 3 fatty acids and selenium; these are well recognised for their health benefits. Recommendations for LC omega 3 fatty acid intakes presume equivalence between fish and fish oil. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of consuming salmon with salmon oil capsules on LC omega 3 fatty acid and selenium status. Forty four healthy subjects were randomly assigned to consume either two servings of 120 g farmed New Zealand King (FNZK) salmon/week or 2, 4 or 6 capsules of salmon oil/day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measures, food consumption habits information and blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained at the study commencement and ending. Each subject’s intake of LC omega 3 fatty acids and selenium was determined by analysing the fatty acid and selenium content of duplicate portions of cooked salmon and capsules. The amount of salmon consumed was then calculated by subtracting unconsumed amounts of salmon and then calculating the intake of LC omega 3 fatty acids as grams of LC omega 3 fatty acids consumed per day. Percentage of compliance to capsule intake, based on counts of unconsumed capsules, was calculated to determine the amount of LC omega 3 fatty acids consumed per day from capsules. Change in red blood cells (RBC) LC omega 3 fatty acid levels from equivalent amounts of LC omega 3 fatty acids consumed from capsules and salmon were compared using linear regression analysis predictive models fitted to the capsule data. Omega 3 index was calculated. LC omega 3 fatty acid intakes from salmon and 2, 4 and 6 capsules were 0.82, 0.24, 0.47 and 0.68 g/day, respectively. Equal amounts of LC omega 3 fatty acids consumed from salmon and capsules resulted in similar increases in RBC LC omega 3 fatty acids and omega 3 index (RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): 0.80 [0.58 – 1.02] vs. 1.00 [0.71 – 1.27] %; RBC docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): 0.93 [0.58 – 1.29] vs. 0.99 [0.68 – 1.31] %; omega 3 index: 1.92 [1.46 – 2.38] vs. 2.25 [1.65 – 2.83] %). The capsules did not contain selenium, but the salmon provided 6.84 µg selenium/day. Plasma selenium concentrations increased significantly in the salmon group compared to the capsule
