What are the main food sources of Selenium?
Fish and shellfish are some of the richest sources of selenium along with certain types of nuts. Protein-rich animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy products are also good sources of selenium, as are mushrooms and some cereals. The amount of selenium in these foods may vary from region to region depending on the level of selenium in the soil. TOP 10 SELENIUM SOURCES Food Micrograms per portion 6 Brazil nuts – 306 Small can tuna – 87 Medium fillet of cod – 34 Average portion of liver – 22 1 slice of wholemeal bread – 13 Average portion of prawns – 11 Slice of white bread – 11 12 mushrooms – 11 Medium portion of pasta – 9 Medium portion of rice – 9 What happens if you don’t get enough? Selenium deficiency is most commonly seen in parts of China where the selenium content in the soil, and therefore selenium intake, is very low. It is very rare in European countries. Low levels are linked with muscular weakness, an enlarged heart and poor heart function. Selenium deficiency also may