Serum selenium in danish Blood Bank donors

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Human Nutrition
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for various physiological functions.
• Understanding selenium levels in healthy populations is vital for nutritional assessment and public health.
• Geographical and demographic factors can influence selenium status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine serum selenium concentrations in healthy adult blood donors in Aarhus, Denmark.
• To investigate potential differences in selenium levels between sexes and age groups.
• To explore seasonal variations in serum selenium levels.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from healthy blood donors (aged 20-60) over a full year.
• Donors were stratified by sex based on the month of sample collection (even months for women, odd for men).
• Individual seasonal variation was assessed through monthly sampling of laboratory employees.

Main Results:

• Mean serum selenium concentration was significantly higher in men (81 ±12 μg/L) than in women (79±9 μg/L).
• No significant age-related variations in selenium levels were observed within sexes.
• Data on seasonal variation were inconclusive, but suggested slightly lower levels in late summer.

Conclusions:

• A statistically significant difference exists in serum selenium concentrations between men and women in this Danish population.
• Individual serum selenium levels appear to be stable over time in the absence of lifestyle changes, medication, or pregnancy.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish seasonal patterns of selenium levels.