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Serum selenium in adult Taiwanese
Chiou-Jong Chen1, Jim-Shoung Lai, Chin-Ching Wu
1Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, Taiwan, 99, Lane 407, Hengke Rd. Shijr City, Taipei 221, Taiwan.
The Science of the Total Environment
|April 19, 2006
Summary
Serum selenium levels in Taiwanese adults averaged 110.9 microg/l, higher than in Europe. Concentrations varied significantly with age and alcohol intake, but not gender or smoking habits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental and Nutritional Sciences
- Human Health and Disease
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for various physiological functions.
- Geographical variations in selenium intake can influence population health.
- Understanding regional selenium status is vital for public health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the serum selenium levels in a large Taiwanese population.
- To investigate factors influencing serum selenium concentration, including age, gender, lifestyle, and alcohol consumption.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 2755 Taiwanese individuals were analyzed.
- Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was employed for accurate selenium quantification.
- Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant correlations with demographic and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- The average serum selenium concentration was 110.9 microg/l (SD 21.5), with a range of 40.5–186 microg/l.
- Observed levels were higher than European averages but comparable to US and other seleniferous regions.
- Serum selenium levels showed a significant inverse correlation with age (especially over 39) and alcohol consumption.
Conclusions:
- Taiwanese adults exhibit relatively high serum selenium levels compared to European populations.
- Age and alcohol consumption are significant determinants of serum selenium status in this population.
- Further research may explore the health implications of these selenium levels and influencing factors.