The bioavailability of selenium in foods is high, and absorption of this mineral in the intestine is not regulated. Therefore, almost all selenium consumed enters the blood.
Selenium plays a role in the anti-oxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, which protect cell membranes from damage caused by the peroxidation of lipids.
The richest food sources of selenium are organ meats and seafood, followed by muscle meats, cereals and grains, dairy product’s and fruits and vegetables.
Brazil nuts, broccoli, onions grown in selenium rich soil also a good source. Garlic also a good source of selenium, although it does not provide a large amount to the diet.
Water can also a good s0oruce of this mineral if the ground from which the water is drawn is selenium rich.
In the United Kingdom, cereal foods account for approximately 20% of total selenium intake, whereas meat, poultry and fish account for 30-40%.
Food sources of selenium
