Selenium content of foods purchased in North Dakota

Selenium (Se) concentrations in foods are highly variable, and may reflect Se concentration and availability from the soil in which they were grown. In the present study, Se concentrations were determined for a number of foods and dietary ingredients purchased in North Dakota, an area with high soil se content. Most foods tended to be high in Se, but many, especially corn products, were highly variable. Selenium in beef from North Dakota was much higher than in beef from low Se areas. These results show that average reported values for Se in foodstuffs are unreliable and if an accurate determination of Se intake is needed, Se concentration should be determined for foods consumed.