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Thursday 2 July 2009

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S14042: Selenium content of Scottish soil and food products

Wednesday 5 March 2008

Study Duration : February 2008 to March 2009

Contractor : Central Science Laboratory-Food Safety Group

Background

Dietary selenium is an essential trace element required for optimal human health. Survey results reported in 1995 suggested that selenium intake among the Scottish population was low (Barclay et al ., 1995). There is also emerging (unpublished) evidence to suggest that the selenium status of the Scottish population may be lower than that of other parts of the UK.

It is increasingly recognised that the selenium status of Scottish soils is likely to be low due to its acid nature and geological parent material. Therefore, the increasing interest in the public procurement and consumption of locally produced foodstuffs may potentially impact further on the selenium status of the Scottish population.

Research Approach

The aim of this project is to measure the selenium status of Scottish soil in high and low selenium regions and measure the selenium status of crops grown locally and foods originating from animal production in the selected selenium regions.

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