Back to knowledge librarySelenium
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral found in many foods including fish, eggs, and Brazil nuts. The UK government recommends a selenium intake of 75 µg per day for male adults and 60 µg per day for female adults. A diet containing fish or nuts should provide enough selenium to meet these recommendations. For example eating a can of tinned tuna or 30g Brazil nuts would meet the target intake.
What is the role of Selenium?
Selenium is involved in protecting body cells from damage and other normal immune system function. This mineral also supports healthy skin, nails and male fertility. Selenium is mainly stored in skeletal muscle in the body.
What foods contain Selenium?
Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, fish, meat, eggs and some dairy products such as cottage cheese.
Further Resources:
References:
Public Health England (2016). Government Dietary Recommendations: Government recommendations for energy and nutrients for males and females aged 1–18 years and 19+ years. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a749fece5274a44083b82d8/government_dietary_recommendations.pdf [Accessed 21 Aug 2024].
National Health Service (2020). Others: Vitamins and minerals. Available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/ [Accessed 09 September 2024].
National Institutes of Health (2024). Selenium: Fact sheet for health professionals. Available at:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/ [Accessed 11 September 2024].
Written By:
Lucy Clarkson, SENR Nutritionist and Database Support, myfood24.