CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF SELENIUM IN CHILE USING SELENIUM IN HENS EGGS AS A MONITOR

Regional distribution of selenium (Se) in Chile was investigated by us ing the concentration of Se in hens' eggs as a monitor. Forty-one loca tions along the entire lenght of the country were sampled, Average (+/ - SD) egg-white Se content (mg/kg dry) was 0.79 +/- 0.41, range 0.22-2 .23. Corresponding yolk Se values were, mean 0.81 +/- 0.43, (mg/kg dry ) range 0.26-2.23. Locations grouped in five main areas, according to their geographic-climatic characteristics, showed significant differen ces regarding both egg-white Se and yolk Se. Analyzed dietary Se intak e from two distinct areas reflected the trends observed in the Se cont ent of egg fractions from such regions. These data support the utiliza tion of the concentration of Se in hens' eggs as a useful monitor of d ietary selenium consumed by selected populations.