PLASMA SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN A SIKH POPULATION IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Selenium is essential for humans because it protects the heart against cardiomyopathy, It may also reduce ischaemic heart disease owing to i ts antioxidant activity. It is known that Indian migrants in a number of countries have high incidences of ischaemic heart disease. In this study, fasting plasma selenium concentrations of Sikh migrants in Sydn ey (Australia) were measured to investigate whether selenium concentra tion is reduced in this community. The mean concentration of selenium in plasma (91.8 +/- 15.0 ng ml(-1), n = 196) was within the normal ran ge. A significantly higher plasma selenium concentration was demonstra ted in males than in females (p < 0.01). This was mainly due to the di fference in mean selenium concentrations between genders in vegetarian s because no significant difference was observed in non-vegetarian mal es versus females. The mean concentration of selenium in teetotal male s was similar to those who consumed alcohol. Despite significant varia tions with gender and diet, the selenium concentrations were within th e normal range. The results suggest that selenium status is adequate i n this Sikh community even though vegetarian diet is common and alcoho l use is condoned in males.