THE ROLE OF IMPORTED GRAIN ON THE SELENIUM INTAKE OF FINNISH POPULATION IN 1941-1981

Abstract

When the average intake of Se among the Finnish population during the period 1941-1981 was estimated, the proportion of the imported grain used for human consumption, as well as its country of origin, was taken into account as a factor increasing the total intake. The figures indicating the intake of Se during the study period range from 21-56 .mu.g/day, clearly exceeding the values obtained when the intake is assessed on the basis of the Se content of Finnish grain only. The proportion of Se derived from grain out of the total intake of Se ranged from 10-67% during the study period.