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Plasma selenium concentrations in a Sikh population in Sydney, Australia
H S Dhindsa1, M A Bermingham, J Mierzwa
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia.
The Analyst
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Sikh migrants in Sydney have adequate selenium levels, essential for heart health. Plasma selenium concentrations were within normal ranges, with variations observed between genders and dietary habits.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Trace Elements
Background:
- Selenium is vital for human health, particularly for cardiac protection against cardiomyopathy and potentially reducing ischemic heart disease due to its antioxidant properties.
- Indian migrants often exhibit high incidences of ischemic heart disease, prompting investigation into nutrient status within migrant communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the fasting plasma selenium concentrations among Sikh migrants in Sydney, Australia.
- To determine if selenium levels are reduced in this specific migrant population.
Main Methods:
- Fasting plasma samples were collected from 196 Sikh migrants in Sydney.
- Plasma selenium concentrations were measured using established analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- The mean plasma selenium concentration was 91.8 +/- 15.0 ng/mL, falling within the normal range.
- Significantly higher plasma selenium concentrations were observed in males compared to females (p < 0.01), primarily driven by differences in vegetarian subgroups.
- No significant gender-based difference in selenium levels was found among non-vegetarians, and alcohol consumption did not significantly affect levels in males.
Conclusions:
- Selenium status is generally adequate within the Sikh migrant community in Sydney, despite common vegetarian diets and male alcohol consumption.
- Observed variations in selenium levels based on gender and diet do not indicate a deficiency in this population.