ARS | Publication request: UPDATE OF HUMAN DIETARY STANDARDS FOR SELENIUM

Submitted to: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 23, 2005
Publication Date: April 15, 2006
Citation: Levander, O.A., Burk, R.F. 2006. Update of human dietary standards for selenium. In: Hatfield, D.L., Berry, M.J., Gladyshev, V.N., editors. Selenium: Its Molecular Biology and Role in Human Health. 2nd edition. New York, NY: Springer Science and Business Media. p.399-410.

Technical Abstract: An update of the human dietary standards for selenium is presented. Two criteria have been used to set recommendations: the prevention of Keshan disease and the full expression of all selenoproteins. An average per capita intake of 20 ug selenium/day will prevent Keshan disease in a population, but will not allow full expression of selenoproteins. Using maximization of plasma glutathione peroxidase activity the RDA for adults in the U.S.A. was set at 55 ug per day in 2000. Recent trial in China utilized selenoprotein P as a biomarker, and its results suggest that an upward revision of the current RDA will be needed. Even higher intakes of selenium have been postulated to prevent cancer. Intervention trials now underway in the U.S.A are evaluating that possibility and the safety of large selenium supplements.