Summary
This 2018 narrative review updates the state of knowledge on how environmental selenium exposure—through diet, water, and occupational sources—relates to human health outcomes. The authors synthesise evidence on selenium's role in human nutrition and disease risk, acknowledging both essential functions and potential toxicity at elevated exposures. The review appears to assess geographic and demographic variation in selenium status and its epidemiological associations.
UK applicability
Findings on selenium intake and health outcomes are relevant to UK population health and dietary adequacy assessment, though UK-specific exposure pathways and drinking-water selenium levels may differ from regions reviewed. The evidence base may inform public health guidance on micronutrient status in the United Kingdom.
Key measures
Serum selenium concentrations, dietary selenium intake, health outcomes (cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, cancer incidence and mortality)
Outcomes reported
The study reviewed evidence on environmental selenium exposure pathways and their associations with human health outcomes, including cardiovascular, thyroid, and cancer-related endpoints. It synthesised findings on selenium bioavailability from different sources and geographic variation in exposure.
Topic tags
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