The serum selenium concentrations in children and young adults: a long-term study during the Finnish selenium fertilization programme.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the Finnish nationwide selenium (Se) fertilization programme on the Se status of the population.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

Serum Se concentrations from 1985-1992 from 1568 healthy children and young adults in southwestern Finland were determined using direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

RESULTS

The mean concentration in young adults increased from 1.04 micromol/L in 1985 to 1.59 micromol/L in 1990. Children younger than 15 y had lower concentrations than adults, with an increase from 0.87 micromol/L in 1985 to 1.31 micromol/L in 1990. The younger the children, the lower the Se concentrations tended to be. At the age of about seven months no significant difference was noted between breast-fed and formula-fed infants. From 1991, when the amount of Se added to fertilizers was reduced and less foreign high-Se cereal was imported, the Se concentrations decreased in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The nationwide Se supplementation programme has succeeded in elevating the Se intake and the serum Se concentrations in the Finnish population.