Effect of age, sex, and race on selenium status of healthy residents of Augusta, Georgia

Abstract

In this study we determined the possible effects of age, sex, and race on selenium (Se) concentration in plasma and erythrocytes and on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in erythrocytes. Two hundred six healthy blacks, whites, males, and females ranging in age from 11 to 60 yr were studied. For the entire population, mean±SDM Se concentrations were 0.104±0.021 μg/mL for plasma and 0.158±0.035 μg/mL for erythrocytes. Mean concentration of Se in plasma was higher in white subjects compared to black subjects (PPPp<0.01). These results have defined the Se status in this healthy population in Augusta, Georgia as below the reported US mean. The factors underlying the age, race, sex interaction and the health significance of the low Se status in this population should be investigated.