Selenium status of a group of Scottish adults.

OBJECTIVE

To examine dietary selenium intake and indices of selenium status (plasma and red blood cell selenium and glutathione peroxidase activities) in apparently healthy Scottish individuals.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

One hundred subjects, aged between 40 and 60 y, completed a seven day weighed food intake and provided blood samples for selenium status analysis.

SETTING

Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

RESULTS

Average reported selenium intake was low (43 micrograms/d). A significant number of subjects had reported intakes below the RNI. Low levels of plasma selenium were also found but no subject had values below 40 micrograms/1. Red blood cell selenium was within the reference range established for a healthy UK population. Smoking status had no consistent effect on selenium status.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that selenium status of certain Scottish individuals may be compromised and that further studies are warranted.

SPONSORSHIP

BASF, Germany; The Tobacco Products Research Trust, UK; Scottish Office Agriculture Environment and Fisheries Department.