[Selenium plasma concentrations in children with celiac disease in different stages of diagnosis].

Selenium is an important nutritional factor of human diet. Epidemiological and experimental data indicate that low selenium level can be associated with increased risk of cancer. On the other hand there are some evidence that patients with celiac disease can present selenium deficiency and increased risk of certain malignancies. Therefore the aim of study was to evaluate plasma selenium levels in children with celiac disease. The level of selenium was estimated by flame atomic absorptiometry method according to Whiteside. Celiac disease was diagnosed according to ESPGHAN criteria. Obtained results indicate that in celiac disease low plasma selenium levels are especially marked at preliminary stage of diagnosis and following low compliance to the gluten free diet. Children with this sickness may need supplementation of their diet with selenium.