Abstract
Selenium plays a role in antioxidant status and, together with iodine, in thyroid function. Iodine deficiency exists in New Zealand during pregnancy and lactation, and selenium deficiency may further affect thyroid function. This study investigated selenium intakes of pregnant and lactating women, in Palmerston North, in the North Island of New Zealand. Dietary intake was estimated using three repeated 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary intake in pregnancy was also estimated from 24-h urinary excretion of selenium. Selenium concentrations were determined in urine and breastmilk using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Median selenium intakes based on dietary data were 51 (39, 65) μg/day in pregnancy and 51 (36, 80) μg/day in lactation, with 61% and 68% below estimated average requirement (EAR). Median daily selenium intake in pregnancy based on urinary excretion was 49 (40, 60) µg/day, with 59% below EAR. Median selenium concentration in breastmilk was 11 (10, 13) µg/L and estimated median selenium intake for infants was 9 (8, 10) µg/day, with 91% below the Adequate Intake of 12 μg/day. These pregnant and breastfeeding women were at risk of dietary selenium inadequacy. Further research is required to assess selenium status in relation to thyroid function and health in this group.
Highlights
The intake of selenium worldwide ranges from 7 to 4990 μg/day, and varies greatly from deficient to toxic intakes [1]
The most recent New Zealand Total Diet Survey suggested dietary selenium intake was inadequate throughout the New Zealand population, putting them at risk of deficiency [3]
This study found 59–61% of pregnant and 68% breastfeeding participants had estimated selenium intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR), suggesting this vulnerable group is at risk of an inadequate selenium intake
Summary
The intake of selenium worldwide ranges from 7 to 4990 μg/day, and varies greatly from deficient to toxic intakes [1]. New Zealand soils contain low levels of selenium, leading to low levels in the food supply [2]. The most recent New Zealand Total Diet Survey suggested dietary selenium intake was inadequate throughout the New Zealand population, putting them at risk of deficiency [3]. Selenium is essential in human health to produce selenoproteins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles, and for production of thyroid hormones [6]. Selenoproteins (iodothyronine deiodinases) are required for generating the active thyroid hormone T3 (triiodothyronine) from the inactive T4 (thyroxine) form [7]. Selenium is an essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, a potent antioxidant, which protects thyroid cells from damage due to any excessive hydrogen peroxide generated from the synthesis of thyroid hormones [8]
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