ARS | Publication request: SELENIUM IN ANIMAL NUTRITION AND HUMAN HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2002
Publication Date: May 5, 2002
Citation: Hintze, K.J., Lardy, G.P., Caton, J.S., Finley, J.W. 2002. Factors that influence selenium content of beef [abstract]. 93rd Annual American Oil Chemists' Society Meeting. p. S44.

Technical Abstract: Consumption of selenium (Se), an essential nutrient, in excess of the dietary requirement may be beneficial for cancer prevention, immune function, and psychological well being. Increased Se intakes may be accomplished by consuming supplemental tablets or by consuming foods enriched in the nutrient; consumption of nutrient-dense foods is the method preferred by health professionals. Animal and plant products produced on high-Se soils may provide such Se-enriched food products. We measured (by hydride generator atomic absorption spectroscopy) the concentrations of Se in beef, grass and soil taken from areas of North Dakota where the underlying geology would suggest high or low concentrations of Se. Geographic origin affected Se content of all samples (P < 0.05) and the highest Se concentrations in beef were up to 7-fold higher than the lowest. Selenium content of soil solubles (r = .53; P < 0.01) and grass (r = 63; P < 0.01) was correlated to Se content of beef. Work is in progress to determine the chemical form of Se in the beef of these animals. These results suggest that there may be sufficient Se in North Dakota beef to consider it for a supplemental source of Se.