Daily dietary intake of selenium in eastern Croatia

Data on the selenium content in the soil and human milk in eastern Croatia indicate a possibility of inadequate Se status of people in the area. In order to determine the daily dietary intake of Se in eastern Croatia, a 7-day duplicate diet study was performed. There were 41 participants (18–53 years old; 14 males and 27 females). Selenium measurement was carried out in a HG-AAS. The average daily Se intake in the area is 27.3 μg. A significant difference (P<0.05) exists between male (32.2 μg) and female (24.8 μg) participants. Percentage of optimum Se intake shows an inverse association with the increasing age of subjects (r=−0.43; P<0.01). Relationship between Se intake and intakes of different foods (cereal products, milk and dairy products, meat, fish etc.) was also examined. The sub-optimal Se intake (RDA is 55 μg/day for women and 70 μg/day for men) is a reflection of low Se levels in the environment, so supplementation of fertilizers with Se should be considered.