title: Selenium and ocular health in New Zealand.
abstract: Selenium is an essential mineral and severe selenium deficiency is known to cause significant health problems. It has been well documented that New Zealand soil is low in selenium. Recent studies have addressed the roles of selenoproteins in the eyes, with evidence suggesting that selenium supplementation may have a role in preventing cataract formation and age-related maculopathy. This paper summarises the role of selenium in ocular and general health and discusses selenium supplementation in a New Zealand specific context.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand. sheck@xtra.co.nz
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sheck
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012643:Selenium / Q000502:physiology*; D051140:Selenoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D051140:Selenoproteins; D012643:Selenium