Background – Selenium deficiency may be associated with increased risk of viral virulence, cancer, negative mood states and immunological dysfunction, and Se intakes above the minimum requirements appear to have a positive effect on the later three. There is relatively little detailed information on selenium intake in Australian adults. Objective – This study aimed to estimate selenium intake of a randomly selected population of Victorian women enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study; to ascertain the main food groups contributing to daily selenium intake and to investigate the effect of the age group differences in food choices on Se intake and Se sufficiency.
Design – A detailed-history semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to randomly selected women (n=556), aged 20–88 y, from the Barwon Statistical Division, representative of Australia in several demographic factors. Se values for Australian foods were used where available (Australian NZ Food Authority). Outcomes and conclusion – The FFQ captured responses on 359 foods. Se intake (mean±SD) was 77±29 μg/day; median 73 μg/day – which is higher than NZ and most European countries, but lower than US and Canadian mean Se intakes. Mean intake was 1.1±0.4 μg/kg body weight (range (0.2 – 3 μg/kg). 43% of women consumed less Se compared to the Australian NHMRC recommended intake (70 μg/day) for women. Wheat products, fish, vegetables, beef, fruit (Australian canned fruit has relatively high Se), dairy and poultry provided 20%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 9%, 9% and 7% respectively of the total Se intake. Significant age group differences were also found. Women 40-49y were those mostly at risk of Se insufficiency and older women consumed more Se from fruits, lamb, peas and beans. Younger women consumed more Se from mixed dishes (includes many “take away” food), chocolate foods and non-wheat grains.