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.


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


METHODS
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.


BACKGROUND
BASF, Germany; The Tobacco Products Research Trust, UK; Scottish Office Agriculture Environment and Fisheries Department.
Shortt
C T
CT
Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Duthie
G G
GG
Robertson
J D
JD
Morrice
P C
PC
Nicol
F
F
Arthur
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012016:Reference Values; D012606:Scotland; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood
D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D012643:Selenium