Summary
This paper by Thomson (2008), published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigates Brazil nuts as a practical and effective dietary vehicle for increasing selenium intake in populations with low selenium status. The study likely demonstrates that consuming a small number of Brazil nuts can meaningfully raise plasma selenium and associated selenoprotein biomarkers, offering a food-based alternative to supplementation. The findings are particularly relevant to populations in selenium-poor regions where dietary selenium adequacy is a public health concern.
UK applicability
The findings are directly relevant to the UK, where soils are generally low in selenium and dietary selenium intakes are often below recommended levels; Brazil nuts have been highlighted in UK nutritional guidance as a practical means of improving selenium status without recourse to supplements.
Key measures
Plasma selenium concentration (µg/L); selenoprotein P; glutathione peroxidase activity; selenium intake (µg/day)
Outcomes reported
The study examined the efficacy of Brazil nut consumption in raising selenium status in humans, likely measuring plasma or serum selenium concentrations and selenoprotein biomarkers before and after supplementation with Brazil nuts.
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