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Selenium intakes in 18–64-y-old Irish adults

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 56, pages 402–408 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To measure the intake of selenium (Se) and the contribution of different food groups to Se intake in adults aged 18–64 y in Ireland. The adequacy of Se intake in the population is also assessed.

Design: Food consumption was estimated using a 7 day food diary for a representative sample (n=1379; men=662, women=717) of 18–64-y-old Irish adults selected randomly from the electoral register. Se intake was estimated using updated tables of food composition.

Results: Mean daily Se intakes (±s.d.) from all sources (ie food plus supplements), and from food sources alone, for the group of Irish adults aged 18–64 y were 52 (±23) and 50 (±21) µg, respectively. Mean daily Se intake (from all sources) was significantly higher in men of all ages than women of all ages at levels of 60 and 44 µg, respectively (P<0.001). Meat/meat products (30%), bread and rolls (24%), fish/fish products (∼11%), and milk and yoghurt (9%) were the main contributors to mean daily Se intake. Adequacy of Se intake in population groups was estimated as the percentage of the population with mean daily Se intakes that were lower than the average requirement of 40 µg. Using this measure, 45.6% of women and 17.1% of men had inadequate Se intakes.

Conclusion: A significant prevalence of inadequate Se intakes was observed in Irish adults. Therefore, it would seem prudent that the Se status of the Irish population be investigated at this time.

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Author notes

  1. KD Cashman: Guarantor: Professor KD Cashman.

  2. J Murphy, EM Hannon, M Kiely, A Flynn and KD Cashman: Contributors: JM contributed to design, execution, analysis and writing of the study. EMH, MK and AF contributed to design, execution and analysis of study. KDC contributed to design, analysis and writing of the study.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science, Nutritional Sciences, Food Technology and Nutrition, University College, Cork, Ireland

    J Murphy, EM Hannon, M Kiely, A Flynn & KD Cashman

  2. Department of Medicine, University College, Cork, Ireland

    KD Cashman

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  1. J Murphy
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  2. EM Hannon
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  3. M Kiely
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  4. A Flynn
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  5. KD Cashman
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Correspondence to KD Cashman.

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Murphy, J., Hannon, E., Kiely, M. et al. Selenium intakes in 18–64-y-old Irish adults. Eur J Clin Nutr 56, 402–408 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601323

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