Abstract
Background: Selenium is a micronutrient, although required in low amounts, its importance in male and female reproduction is well known.
Objectives: The core purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of selenium in human reproduction, during pregnancy/ lactation in women and newborns. The review explains side by side the sources of selenium, required amounts of selenium in humans and during pregnancy or lactation.
Methods: Selenium deficiency is a major cause of male infertility. Similarly, selenium deficiency, both in pregnant and postpartum women, would greatly affect the health of the newborn baby in all respects. The effect of maternal selenium upon the fetus and the neonates even one year after birth has been explained with some recent examples.
Results: The study elaborates the fact that the selenium deficiency in pregnancy and lactation is common due to fetal/infant development, so selenium supplements must be provided in order to overcome these deficiency symptoms.
Conclusion: The better reproductive health in humans is possible due to the sufficient amounts of selenium present both in males and females as well.
Keywords: Male infertility, micronutrient, neonatal requirements of selenium, selenium deficiency, selenium requirement in pregnancy/lactation, selenium supplementation.
Graphical Abstract
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