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Impaired Lipid and Vitamin E Absorption Related to Atrophy of the Pancreas in Selenium-deficient Chicks¹

Department of Poultry Science and Graduate School of Nutrition, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850

Selenium-depleted chicks were fed crystalline amino acid diets, containing high levels of vitamin E but less than 0.02 ppm selenium, with and without supplements of selenium. Deficiency of selenium resulted in poor growth, poor feathering and atrophy of the pancreas. Hydrolysis of fat was impaired, probably because of a lack of pancreas enzymes. Absorption of lipids, including vitamin E, was poor and this abnormality was attributed to impaired lipid-bile micelle formation in the absence of fat hydrolysis. Addition of bile acid to the diet did not restore fat digestion to normal and only temporarily enhanced vitamin E absorption. Addition of free fatty acids and monoglycerides improved vitamin E absorption and survival but did not prevent the degeneration of the pancreas. Selenium is thus an essential trace nutrient and in one of its roles it maintains the pancreas. The indirect effect of severe selenium deficiency on vitamin E absorption does not explain the ability of both selenium and vitamin E to prevent exudative diathesis. Another more direct interrelationship is probably responsible for this effect.

² Present address: Nutrition Research Division, Food and Drug Directorate, Department of National Health and Welfare, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa 3, Canada.

Manuscript received 23 December 1969.