Whole blood selenium levels in healthy adults from the west of Algeria

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2012 Jun;147(1-3):44-8. doi: 10.1007/s12011-011-9287-3. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whole blood selenium levels of 300 healthy adults living in four selected areas of the west of Algeria. Selenium was measured using differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry with a detection limit of 29.20 μg/L. The mean of whole blood selenium concentrations was 85.65 ± 21.60 μg/L ranging between 30.90 and 144.04 μg/L. This concentration did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) in relation to the gender of the subject, with concentrations of 87.75 ± 21.30 μg/L in men and 83.95 ± 21.60 μg/L in women group. Individuals older than 60 years had a whole blood selenium concentration significantly lower than the rest of the population. However, the measured selenium concentrations in the residential areas were not statistically different (P > 0.05). A total of 32 (10.70%) individuals exhibited whole blood selenium level below 60 μg/L. These results are similar to those of some European countries but are much lower than data observed in USA or seleniferous regions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Algeria
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Electrochemical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods*
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reference Standards
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Selenium / blood*
  • Selenium / standards
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Selenium