Food supply abundant increase of serum selenium concentrations in middle-aged Dresden women between 1990 and 1996

Serum selenium concentration was measured in middle-aged Dresden (East Germany) women in 1990 and 1996. In 1990, the serum concentration of selenium in middle-aged women was higher than in men living under the same environmental conditions (0.98 +/- 0.32 vs 0.82 +/- 0.19 mu mol/l). In 1996, the serum concentration of selenium in middle-aged women was significantly higher than in 1990 (1.19 +/- 0.34 mu mol/l). This increase seems to be caused by the changed foodstuff supply after the reunification of Germany. Selenium values did not correlate with age, blood pressure or daily energy intake. Moderate smoking and menopausal status did not influence the selenium levels. In 1990, the serum concentration of selenium was the highest in those women who consumed the lowest amounts of carbohydrates or fibers, or who had the highest consumption of meat, fresh fish or potatoes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.