Selenium in human tissues from New Zealand

Selenium concentrations were measured in tissue samples obtained at autopsy from 45 New Zealand residents aged 4 months to 74 yr. Materials included liver, kidney cortex, skeletal muscle, heart, lung, and spleen. Samples of liver and brain were obtained from 16 fetuses (gestational ages, 27-42 wk). Except for kidney cortex, which contained high levels, concentrations of selenium were similar to those reported in other low-selenium areas, and lower than values obtained in selenium-adequate localities.