This analysis of more than 12 000 baseline participants in a French antioxidant trial examined how serum selenium related to region, lifestyle and diet. Few participants fell below a sub-deficiency cut-off, but most were below the level the authors cite as optimal for glutathione peroxidase activity. Serum selenium was higher with meat, fish and alcohol consumption, lower in smokers, and differed by region.
Key numbers
- Mean serum selenium: women 1.09 µmol/L (SD 0.19, n = 7423); men 1.14 µmol/L (SD 0.20, n = 4915); difference P < 0.0001 (Abstract; Results p. 315).
- Below 0.75 µmol/L (cited sub-deficiency cut-off): 1.3% of men and 1.7% of women (Results, p. 315).
- Above 1.25 µmol/L (cited value for optimal glutathione peroxidase activity): 25.3% of men and 17.4% of women (Results, p. 315).
Methods (brief)
Fasting serum from the 1994 to 1995 baseline visit was analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction, standard addition calibration and a commercial serum control, in a laboratory taking part in interlaboratory comparisons. Food consumption came from repeated 24-hour records; associations were adjusted for age, smoking, education and region.
Evidence fitness
Supports a large population distribution of serum selenium in middle-aged French adults and the direction of lifestyle associations. It does not quantify intake or establish causes.
Limitations
Volunteers for a supplementation trial may differ from the general population; cross-sectional associations; cut-offs are cited from other work rather than derived here.
Related evidence
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