High serum selenium concentrations in reindeer breeding Lappish men

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Serum selenium levels are influenced by diet and geographic factors.
• Previous observations suggest potential health benefits associated with higher selenium intake.
• The dietary habits of specific populations, like the Lappish, warrant investigation for unique nutritional profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum selenium concentrations and dietary intake in Lappish men compared to a control group.
• To identify specific dietary sources contributing to serum selenium levels in the studied populations.
• To explore potential correlations between selenium, diet, and health outcomes, such as cancer mortality.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing serum selenium levels between Lappish men and a control population.
• Dietary intake assessment focusing on key food sources, including reindeer meat and fish.
• Statistical analysis, including correlation and linear regression, to determine predictors of serum selenium.

Main Results:

• Lappish men demonstrated significantly higher serum selenium concentrations (1.79 mumol/l) than the control group (1.58 mumol/l).
• Serum selenium positively correlated with reindeer meat consumption, age, and cholesterol levels.
• Being Lappish was identified as the most significant predictor of elevated serum selenium, with higher reindeer meat and lower fish intake observed in this group.

Conclusions:

• High serum selenium concentrations in Lappish men are strongly associated with their dietary patterns, particularly reindeer meat consumption.
• The observed higher selenium levels may contribute to the reported lower cancer mortality rates in the Lappish population.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking selenium, diet, and cancer prevention in this unique demographic.