Daily dietary intake of selenium in eastern Croatia

Abstract

Data on the selenium content in the soil and human milk in eastern Croatia indicate a possibility of inadequate Se status of people in the area. In order to determine the daily dietary intake of Se in eastern Croatia, a 7-day duplicate diet study was performed. There were 41 participants (18-53 years old; 14 males and 27 females). Selenium measurement was carried out in a HG-AAS. The average daily Se intake in the area is 27.3 micrograms. A significant difference (P < 0.05) exists between male (32.2 micrograms) and female (24.8 micrograms) participants. Percentage of optimum Se intake shows an inverse association with the increasing age of subjects (r = 0.43; P < 0.01). Relationship between Se intake and intakes of different foods (cereal products, milk and dairy products, meat, fish, etc.) was also examined. The sub-optimal Se intake (RDA is 55 micrograms/day for women and 70 micrograms/day for men) is a reflection of low Se levels in the environment, so supplementation of fertilizers with Se should be considered.