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Selenium (Se) is an essential micromineral that is incorporated into the active center of selenoproteins which play important roles in regulating immune function, thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and glucose homeostasis. Dietary intakes and bodily levels of Se vary across countries due to geographical distribution of the mineral, dietary patterns, Se species, and genetic predispositions. Biomarkers such as serum/plasma Se, tissue Se, and bioactivity of selenoproteins to suggest Se status of an individual have been proposed and used in epidemiological and clinical studies. Beside vulnerable populations residing in Se-deficient regions, Se deficiency is found in patients of chronic illness, cancer, and those experiencing severe trauma; Se supplementation to this group has been shown to provide benefits including reduced mortality rates and better prognosis. However, there is a lack of consensus to determine Se adequacy and deficiency in terms of health and disease in the context of the local Taiwanese population. In this study, plasma and serum Se values reported from selected studies were pooled to calculate the normal Se range of the general adult Taiwanese. The calculated mean ± standard deviation values of Se level were 182.8 ± 124.3 μg/L (N = 5,508), and the range of Se levels was estimated to be approximately 58–307 mg/L. From this range, Se < 98.8 mg/L was suggestive of deficiency and required Se supplementation, whereas maintaining adequate levels of Se in the range of 125–183 mg/L would help to optimize its role in physiological well-being and disease prevention in Taiwanese adults. |
