SELENIUM CONTENT OF FOODS PURCHASED IN NORTH-DAKOTA

Selenium (Se) concentrations in foods are highly variable, and may ref lect Se concentration and availability from the soil in which they wer e grown. In the present study, Se concentrations were determined for a number of foods and dietary ingredients purchased in North Dakota, an area with high soil se content. Most foods tended to be high in Se, b ut many, especially corn products, were highly variable. Selenium in b eef from North Dakota was much higher than in beef from low Se areas. These results show that average reported values for Se in foodstuffs a re unreliable and if an accurate determination of Se intake is needed, Se concentration should be determined for foods consumed.