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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
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Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2022

Marginal selenium status in northern Tasmania.

Jeffrey M Beckett1, Madeleine J Ball

  • 1School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1320, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia. jbeckett@utas.edu.au

The British Journal of Nutrition
|April 28, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Selenium (Se) deficiency is common in Tasmania, Australia. This study found that most Tasmanians have inadequate Se status, potentially increasing chronic disease risk and limiting glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.

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Area of Science:

  • Human Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Public Health and Epidemiology

Background:

  • Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element vital for human health, playing key roles in antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism.
  • Marginal Se status is linked to increased risks of chronic diseases, including certain cancers, and impaired immune function.
  • Limited data exist on Se status in Australia, with Tasmania identified as a region potentially at risk of marginal Se intake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the Se status of the northern Tasmanian population.
  • To determine the prevalence of marginal Se status and its potential impact on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.
  • To identify demographic factors influencing Se status in this population.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
06:00

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2022

  • A cross-sectional study involving 498 men and women aged 25-84 years residing in northern Tasmania.
  • Assessment of Se status through dietary intake estimations and measurement of serum Se concentrations.
  • Evaluation of Se status by measuring serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and its correlation with serum Se levels.

Main Results:

  • Mean Se intakes were 77.4 μg/d for men and 65.1 μg/d for women, with 27% consuming less than the estimated average requirement.
  • Mean serum Se concentration was 89.1 μg/l, with 83% below 100 μg/l and 60% below 90 μg/l, indicating inadequate Se status for optimal GPx activity.
  • A significant positive association between serum Se and serum GPx (P < 0.001) confirmed Se-dependent enzyme activity limitation; marginal Se status was prevalent across all age, sex, and socioeconomic subgroups.

Conclusions:

  • The northern Tasmanian population exhibits a high prevalence of marginal Se status, suggesting inadequate Se intake.
  • Low Se status may compromise maximal GPx activity, potentially increasing susceptibility to oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
  • Interventions to increase Se intake in this population are warranted to improve overall health and reduce disease risk.