Dietary sources of selenium and zinc
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Main Dietary Sources of Selenium and Zinc
Selenium Food Sources
Research from multiple populations shows that the main dietary sources of selenium are cereals and grains, followed by meat, fish, seafood, and dairy products. In Spain, cereals and grains are the top contributors to selenium intake, while in Northern Italy, cereals and meat are primary sources, with fish, seafood, and dairy also making significant contributions Olza2017Filippini2018. In China, plant-based foods, particularly cereals, are the main source of selenium for adults .
Zinc Food Sources
For zinc, the leading dietary sources are meat and meat products, as well as cereals and grains. In Spain, meat and meat products are the main contributors, while in Northern Italy, meat, cereals, and dairy products are the primary sources Olza2017Filippini2018. In China, plant-based foods, especially cereals, are the main source of zinc, although animal-based foods also contribute .
Regional Differences in Selenium and Zinc Intake
European Populations
In European countries like Spain and Italy, both plant-based (cereals, grains) and animal-based (meat, fish, dairy) foods contribute significantly to selenium and zinc intake. However, a substantial portion of the population does not meet recommended intake levels, particularly for zinc and selenium Olza2017Filippini2018.
Chinese Population
In China, plant-based foods are the predominant sources of both selenium and zinc. Despite this, a high percentage of adults have intakes below the estimated average requirement, especially for selenium (72% below requirement) and zinc (44.5% below requirement) .
Health Implications of Selenium and Zinc Intake
Adequate intake of selenium and zinc is important for antioxidant defense, immune function, and prevention of certain diseases. Studies show that insufficient intake of these minerals is linked to higher risks of chronic diseases, such as hypothyroidism and heart conditions, and may also influence cancer risk Olza2017Tu2023Aryafar2024+1 MORE. Ensuring a balanced diet with sufficient cereals, grains, meat, fish, and dairy can help meet the recommended intake levels for these essential trace elements.
Conclusion
Cereals and grains are the main dietary sources of selenium in most populations, with meat, fish, seafood, and dairy also contributing. For zinc, meat and meat products, cereals, and dairy are key sources. Regional dietary patterns influence the primary sources, with plant-based foods being more prominent in some countries. Many people do not meet the recommended intake levels for selenium and zinc, highlighting the importance of dietary diversity to ensure adequate consumption of these essential nutrients Olza2017Filippini2018Li2024.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Dietary intake of cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc in a Northern Italy community.
In a Northern Italian community, dietary intake of trace elements like cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc is within average levels and well above recommended levels, avoiding excess or deficiency risks.
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