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Serum selenium concentration of a healthy northwest Spanish population

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Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential element, cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity, whose deficiency may induce modifications in the cellular antioxidative status and induce the appearance of different diseases. Current views suggest that a serum Se concentration inferior to 45 μg/L may correlate with an increased risk of coronary hearth diseases, coronary atherosclerosis and cancer.

Since the Se concentration in human blood varies between geographical areas, we initiated a study to evaluate the Se status in the general healthy population of Barcelona. Serum Se concentration was investigated in a random sample of 150 subjects (age range 18–70 yr) by graphite furnace atomic spectrometry (FLAAS). L'vov platform, Zeeman background correction, and other specifications of stabilized temperature platform furnace (STPF) concept were followed.

The results show that in the general population of Barcelona, Se serum concentration ranges between 60 and 106 μg/L (X=80.7±10 μg/L). These values can be considered within the safe limits, since no subject was found with a concentration lower than the threshold of 45 μg/L.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Toxicology Unit, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain

    Mercè Torra, Miquel Rodamilans, Francesc Montero & Jacint Corbella

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  1. Mercè Torra
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  2. Miquel Rodamilans
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  3. Francesc Montero
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  4. Jacint Corbella
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Torra, M., Rodamilans, M., Montero, F. et al. Serum selenium concentration of a healthy northwest Spanish population. Biol Trace Elem Res 58, 127–133 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02910673

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