Assessment of selenium and zinc status in female collegiate athletes / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to assess selenium and zinc status in female collegiate athletes and their relationship with dietary intake. METHODS: Female collegiate athletic groups of judo and aerobics, and healthy sedentary collegiate females were recruited for this study and their serum selenium and zinc contents were measured by the neutron activation analysis (NAA) method. In addition, the dietary intake of subjects was measured using the two days 24-hour recall method. RESULTS: Serum selenium in judo athletes was 10.7 µg/dl, which was significantly lower than that of aerobic athletes (12.2 µg/dl), but not different from that of the sedentary group (11.4 µg/dl). Additionally, serum zinc levels were 96.1 µg/dl and 90.2 µg/dl in aerobic and judo athletes, respectively, which did not differ significantly. Moreover, dietary selenium and zinc intake of the athletic groups did not differ significantly from that of the sedentary female group. Overall, 33.3% of the serum selenium concentration variation was explained by the intake of vitamin E, selenium and saturated fatty acids, while 14.7% of the serum zinc level variation was explained by the intake of saturated fatty acids. The strongest dietary indicator for serum selenium and zinc levels was saturated fatty acids intake. CONCLUSION: Judo athletes appear to have lower selenium status than aerobic athletes, suggesting different body selenium status according to sport type. To maintain body selenium and zinc levels, the dietary intake of saturated fatty acids should be decreased.

Independent correlates of the toenail chromium level and the association between the chromium level and dyslipidemia / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The number of patients with dyslipidemia have been increasing steadily over the past few decades in South Korea. The association between the chromium level and chronic disease has attracted considerable interest, but few studies have been conducted on the Korean population. The aim of this study was to identify the dietary and non-dietary correlates of the toenail chromium level, and evaluate the association between the toenail chromium level and dyslipidemia. METHODS: The baseline data of an ongoing prospective cohort study in Yeungnam area in South Korea were analyzed. A total of 500 participants aged 35 years or older who completed questionnaires on their demographics, lifestyle characteristics, and medical information were included. The toenail chromium level was analyzed by neutron activation analysis. The dietary intake was assessed using a validated 146-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The blood lipid profiles were obtained from medical examinations conducted by the Korean National Health Insurance Service or medical institutions. RESULTS: Higher chromium levels were associated with the residential area (urban), higher education level, higher intakes of noodles and vegetables, and lower intake of fruits. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the toenail chromium levels were not associated significantly with the prevalence of dyslipidemia (odds ratio: 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.61 ~ 1.60). CONCLUSION: This study is the first study in Korea to determine the independent correlates of the toenail chromium levels and the association between chromium exposure and dyslipidemia. These findings provide useful scientific evidence for the development of chromium intake guidelines for the Korean population.

investigation of effects of blood exchange transfusion on selenium in newborn infants by instrumental neutron activation analysis method

The evidence for the effects of blood exchange transfusion on selenium [Se] in newborn infants is unknown. This study was conducted to determine the possible effects of blood exchange transfusion on Se by comparing the Se blood concentrations before and after exchange transfusion in jaundiced neonates. A total of 30 jaundiced term neonates who underwent blood exchange transfusion [EXT] for first time because of idiopathic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, were recruited. The Se level of 30 blood bank donors' samples used for EXT were measured and 30 pairs of uncontaminated umbilical cord blood samples were investigated for Se before and after exchange transfusion. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis method. Serum bilirubin concentrations were measured by venous blood samples before EXT. The average of Se concentration before EXT was higher than that after EXT [629.78 +/- 283.82 SD ppb versus 454.83 +/- 213.75 SD ppb] [P<0.05]. There was significant correlation between the blood concentration of Se before and after EXT and also between the blood level of Se before EXT and total serum bilirubin level [P<0.05]. There was no significant correlation between the blood concentration of Se before EXT and babies' gender and weight [P>0.05]. The average Se level in samples obtained from transfused blood products was 507.90 +/- 223.56 SD ppb. Blood exchange transfusion caused a 28% decrease of the blood Se level because the blood donors had lower blood Se levels than the newborns. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the blood level of Se before EXT and the total serum bilirubin level

Demographic and lifestyle factors and selenium levels in men and women in the U.S

Selenium is an antioxidant trace element linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Although diet is a major source, relatively little else is known about independent determinants of selenium levels in free-living humans. In this study, we aimed to investigate the independent demographic, lifestyle, and dietary determinants of selenium levels in 1,997 men and 1,905 women in two large prospective U.S. cohorts. Toenail selenium levels were quantified using neutron activation analysis. Diet, geographic residence, demographic, and environmental factors were assessed by validated self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate generalized linear models were conducted to assess the independent relations of these factors with toenail selenium levels, correcting for measurement error in the diet. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, independent predictors of higher selenium were male gender (6.3% higher levels); living in West and Northern-Midwest U.S. regions (8.9% and 7.4% higher than Southern-Midwest regions, respectively); consumption of beef and bread products (between 0.7 - 2.5% higher per daily serving); and selenium supplement use (6.9% higher than non-users); whereas cigarette smoking (5-10% lower than never smokers) , older age (0.6% lower per 5 years), and consumption of eggs, white rice, dairy products, coffee, and alcohol (between 0.1 to 2.0% lower per daily serving) were associated with lower selenium. Multiple dietary and non-dietary factors independently predicted selenium levels, suggesting that both consumption and non-dietary processes (e.g., related to oxidant status) may affect levels. Significant geographic variation in selenium levels exists in the US.

Analysis of Na and Cl Contents in Children's Favorite Foods

The Na, component of salt, can increase the risk of high blood pressure and hypertension. Especially, children are exposed to an increased risk of high sodium intake, because they often consume Na-rich processed foods and commercially prepared foods in the street. However, the database for the sodium and chloride content for these children's favorite foods is insufficient. In this study, the Na and Cl contents in 89 children's favorite foods were analyzed by using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) method. The analyzed food items were presented after being classified into 33 kinds of food groups. The Na contents in 100 g children's favorite foods ranged from 0.3 mg to 35.1mg in fruits, 28.9mg to 82.5mg in milks, 127.2 mg to 602.2 mg in breads, cakes, sandwiches, and rice cakes, 2.5 mg to 1169.9 mg in candies, cookies and ice creams, 226.9 mg to 693.7 mg in commercially prepared street foods, and 103.4 mg to 875.8 mg in fast foods of westernized restaurant. Among children's favorite food groups, 100 g fried chicken, hotdog, burgers, and donuts contained an average Na of 536 mg, 553 mg, 794 mg, and 562.2 mg, respectively, so they are classified as 'high Na foods'. In contrast, 100 g fruits and dairy products contained Na an average 4.9 mg and 43.4 mg, respectively, being classified as 'low Na foods'. One serving of ramen, mandudnoodle, and burgerdpizza can supply over 667mg Na, which is one third of the KDRI targeted intake. Likewise, the Cl contents in children's favorite foods were diverse according to food groups. The Cl contents in the analyzed foods differed from the 1.5 times of Na content, which is assumed in general. This study showed that the Na and Cl contents in children's favorite foods are very diverse. Conclusively, a strategy to reduce Na contents in the fast foods such as noodles and westernized restaurant foods is necessary for children health.

Iron Status According to Serum Selenium Concentration and Physique in Young Female Adults

Se and Fe are trace minerals acting as antioxidant scavenging free radicals. Iron deficiency is the most frequently reported nutritional deficiency in females. Body iron status are known to be dependent not only upon dietary iron intake, but also upon micro-mineral nutrition and obesity. Antioxidants such as selenium are reported to play an important role on the regulation of erythropoiesis by protecting RBC membrane from antioxidative damage. In this study, iron status in young females and its relationships with selenium status and physique were examined. Serum selenium and iron concentrations were measured by HANARO research reactor using neutron activation analysis method (NAA-method). The proportion with iron deficiency and anemia were 27.1% and 8.6%, respectively in young females, but the proportion with iron deficient anemia was 1.4%. The mean serum selenium level was 12.0 microgram/dL and in normal range in the young women. The study participants were tertiled according to BMI and serum selenium levels. Serum ferritin and iron levels inclined with increasing BMI tertiles. Serum iron and RBC count were higher in middle selenium group than low selenium group. Individuals had significantly lower hematocrit level in the lowest tertile for their serum selenium levels compared with the highest tertile. The serum ferritin level was predicted 25% by BMI and RBC count 26.2% by the serum selenium level and body fat%. In conclusion, this study shows that body iron status in young adult females are influenced by obesity and body selenium status.

Análise da dosagem sérica de elementos traço e sua correlação com aspectos clínicos de uma população de idosos saudáveis / Analysis of serum trace elements and their correlation with clinical aspects of a population of healthy elderly

O interesse sobre o papel dos elementos traço na gênese de doenças, na mortalidade e na manutenção da saúde vem sendo cada vez maior. Este trabalho tem como objetivo determinar as concentrações séricas dos elementos: Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, Rb, Se e Zn e correlacioná-las com os aspectos clínicos de uma população de idosos saudáveis. Foram considerados saudáveis os idosos sem senilidade sistêmica e sintomática, sendo selecionamos 101 idosos saudáveis, 33 (32,67%) homens e 68 (67,33%) mulheres com idade média de 71,7 ± 7,1 (60-98). O nível sérico de Se foi significativamente menor em pacientes mais idosos (p < 0.001). Em comparação com os valores de referência, o Br, Cl e Na apresentaram médias menores. Em relação ao sexo, os homens tiveram menores níveis de Br (p < 0,001) e de Se (p = 0,005) com maiores níveis de Fe (p < 0,001). Menores níveis de Se foram relacionados com menor escolaridade (p= 0.013). Os valores de Br estiveram muito abaixo dos valores de referência e a prática da atividade física correlacionou-se com menores níveis de Br (p= 0,008). Poderíamos questionar se os altos níveis de Br seriam prejudiciais ao envelhecimento saudável, se níveis baixos de bromo seriam marcadores de saúde em idosos ou até se existe relação entre hábitos de vida saudáveis com os níveis de Br. A partir dos 71,2 anos, os níveis séricos de selênio começam a cair mesmo em indivíduos saudáveis. Estudos adicionais deverão determinar se o monitoramento dos níveis séricos de selênio pode ser utilizado como marcador precoce do desenvolvimento de doenças e mortalidade.

Concern about the role of trace elements in the genesis of disease, mortality and health maintenance has been increasing. This study aims to determine serum concentrations of the elements: Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, Rb, Se and Zn and correlate them with clinical features of a population of healthy elderly. Were considered healthy elderly people without senile systemic symptoms. We selected 101 healthy elderly, 33 (32.67%) men and 68 (67.33%) women with a mean age of 71.7 ± 7.1 (60-98). The serum level of Se was significantly lower in older patients (p <0.001). Compared with the reference values Br, Cl and Na diminished. Longer averages about sex men had lower levels of Br (p <0.001) and Se (p = 0.005) with higher levels of Fe (p <0.001). If lower levels were associated with less education (p = 0.013). Br values were well below the reference values and physical activity correlated with lower levels of Br (p = 0.008). One might question whether high levels of Br would be detrimental for healthy aging, if low levels of bromine were markers of health in the elderly or even if there is a relationship between healthy lifestyle habits with the levels of Br. From 71.2 years, serum levels of selenium begin to fall even in healthy individuals. Additional studies will determine if monitoring of serum levels of selenium can be used as a marker of early development of disease and mortality.

Determination of trace elements in the diet of non-dialyzed renal patients / Determinação de elementos traço na dieta de pacientes renais não dialisados

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have abnormal levels ofplasma minerals. Among some factors that may account for an abnormalmineral metabolism in this group is the low or high dietary intake. However,the mechanism of trace-element disturbances has not been thoroughlyestablished. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations ofeleven trace elements (As, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Rb, Se, Th, U and Zn) in the dietof non-dialyzed CKD patients. While Fe, Co, Cr, Br, Rb, Se and Zn are elementsplaying a role in nutrition, As, Cs, Th and U are toxicologically importanttrace elements. These elements were determined using Instrumental NeutronActivation Analysis (INAA) on samples of total diets consumed by typicalnon-dialyzed CKD patients in Brazil. Each subject?s food consumption wascalculated by using an individual 24h-consumption record and the dietswere prepared according to a modified duplicate portion method based onthe analysis of 39 diet samples. In this group, Br, Co, Fe, Se and Zn intakeswere lower and there was a positive correlation with protein intake. Theintakes of toxic elements were within recommended levels. The patient?s dietspresented low concentrations of important trace elements, which can causesome alterations in the metabolism. The supplementation with a determinedtrace element may be indicated when its depletion is documented in bodycompartments, and when there is evidence of the positive effects of this elementon the life quality of CKD patients.

Pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC)pueden presentar niveles anormales deminerales. Uno de los factores que puedecontribuir para este metabolismo anómalo es ladieta. Entretanto, los mecanismos de esasanormalidades no están completamentecomprendidos. El objetivo de este estudio fueevaluar las concentraciones de once elementostrazos (As, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Rb, Se, Th, U y Zn)en la dieta de pacientes con ERC no dializados.Los minerales como Fe, Co, Cr, Br, Rb, Se y Zndesempeñan funciones nutricionalesimportantes, al contrario de As, Cs, Th y U queson tóxicos. Esos elementos fueron determinadosen 39 muestras de dietas obtenidas del consumoalimentar de 24 horas relatado por los pacientescon ERC y el m??todo analítico utilizado fueAnálisis Instrumental por Activación deNeutrones (INAA). Las concentraciones de Br, Co,Fe, Se y Zn eran bajos y hubo correlación positivacon el consumo de proteínas. La ingestión deelementos tóxicos estaba dentro de lo permitido.La dieta de los pacientes presentó bajasconcentraciones de elementos trazos importanteslo cual podría causar alteraciones metabólicasimportantes que exigirían suplemento en casoque los niveles sanguíneos alterados fuesenconfirmados. Los elementos tóxicos no estabanen concentraciones elevadas

Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC)podem apresentar níveis anormais de minerais.Um dos fatores que pode contribuir para essemetabolismo anormal é a dieta. Entretanto, osmecanismos para essas anormalidades não sãocompletamente entendidos. O objetivo desseestudo foi avaliar as concentrações de onzeelementos traço (As, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Rb, Se,Th, U e Zn) na dieta de pacientes com DRC nãodialisados. Os minerais como Fe, Co, Cr, Br, Rb,Se e Zn são elementos com importantes papéisna nutrição. Em contrapartida As, Cs, Th e Usão tóxicos. Esses elementos foram determinadosem 39 amostras de dietas obtidas do consumoalimentar de 24h relatado pelos pacientes renaiscrônicos, e o método utilizado para verificaçãodos minerais foi pela Análise Instrumental deAtivação de Nêutrons (INAA). Os níveis de Br,Co, Fe, Se e Zn foram baixos e houve correlaçãopositiva com o consumo protéico. A ingestão deelementos tóxicos estava dentro dasrecomendações. A dieta dos pacientes apresentoubaixas concentrações de importantes elementostraço, o que poderia causar algumas alteraçõesno metabolismo desses nos pacientes renais,sendo a suplementação necessária se os níveissangüíneos alterados fossem confirmados. Oselementos tóxicos não estavam em elevadasconcentrações.

Quantificação de macro e micro nutrientes em algumas etnovariedades de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) / Macro and micro nutrients quantification of some cubiu ethnovarieties (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal)

Considerando a ampla variabilidade genética de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal), quantificaram-se os macro e micro-nutrientes, objetivando a ampliação da tabela de composição química de alimentos típicos da região amazônica. Os frutos provenientes da Estação Experimental de Hortaliças Alejo von der Pahlen (EEH) do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), localizados no km 14 da Rodovia AM 010 em Manaus, AM, foram processados no Laboratório de Alimentos e Nutrição do INPA. Avaliaram-se oito etnovariedades de cubiu identificados como: 2 I, 3 I, 6, 7, 12, 14, 17, 29 I e III em estádio de maturação comercial. Os teores de elementos minerais foram quantificados pela técnica de Ativação por Nêutrons Instrumental e a fibra alimentar pelo método enzímico-gravimétrico. Os resultados demonstram ser o cubiu um fruto com baixo conteúdo energético (média de 33 kcal), com conteúdo de fibra alimentar total na ordem de 1,6 por cento. Em relação aos macros elementos minerais, a etnovariedade 6, apresentou a maior concentração em potássio (513,5±3,1mg), cálcio (18,9±0,6mg) e a etnovariedade 2 I em Fe (564,4±58,1µg) e Cr (99,3±8,3µg). A menor concentração foi constatada na etnovariedade 12 para os elementos K (229,0±4,5mg), Na (53,7±5,5µg) e Zn (89,3±4,7µg). Apesar das variações em relação as diferentes etno variedades e conseqüentemente concentrações em elementos minerais, o cubiu, pode estar contribuindo para atingir as recomendações desses nutrientes.

Considering the wide genetic variability of cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal), its chemical composition was quantified in order to contribute to the chemical composition table of typical Amazonian foods. The cubiu fruit was collected at Alejo von der Pahlen (EEH) experimental station from National Research Institute of Amazonia (INPA). Eight ethno varieties of cubiu identified as 2 I, 3 I, 6, 7, 12, 14, 17, 29 I and III were analyzed. All samples used were ripe. The mineral content was determined by Neutron Activation Analysis technique and alimentary fiber by the enzymatic-gravimetric method. The results showed that cubiu is a hypo caloric food source (mean of 33 kcal and total fiber of about 1.6 percent). Regarding macronutrients, ethnovariety 6 showed high potassium (513.5 ± 3.1 mg) and calcium (18.8 ± 0.6 mg) concentration. Ethnovariety 21, had high Fe (564 ± 58 µg) and Cr (99 ± 8 µg) concentrations. Low concentrations of K (229.0 ± 4.5 mg), Na (53.7 ± 5.5 µg) and Zn (89.3 ± 4.7 µg) were found for ethnovariety 12. Although the cubiu fruit presents great variation of its mineral contents due to different ethnovarieties, it could still contribute as a diet supplement to reach the minimum nutrient requirements for the Amazonian population.

Slow arsenic poisoning of the contaminated groundwater users

This paper gives impact of Arsenic contaminated water on human health as well as overview of the extent and severity of groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh. Scalp hair is the most important part of the human body to monitor the accumulation of this type of poison. Therefore, an experiment has been carried out by Neutron Activation Analysis [NAA] at Atomic Energy Research Establishment [AERE], Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh on human hair of corresponding tube well water users of these areas to determine the total accumulation of arsenic to their body. Hair samples collected from the region where the groundwater was found highly contaminated with arsenic. The obtained results of arsenic concentration in the lower age [Hb] categories of users [below 12 years of age users] is in the range of 0.33 to 3.29 ?g/g [ppm] and that in the Hu categories [upper 12 years of age users] is 0.47 to 6.64 ?g/g [ppm]. Where as maximum permissible range is 1 ppm certified from WHO. Results show that the peoples are highly affected where the groundwater is highly contaminated with arsenic and acts as the primary source of arsenic poisoning among the peoples of those areas. The results indicate that human population is affected with arsenic locally using the contaminated water for a long time

Serum Zinc Level and Its Related Dietary Factors in Male Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Zinc is an antioxidant trace mineral, scavenging free radicals and known to be involved in inflammatory reactions. The prevalence of atherogenic diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) are increasing in Korean adults of middle age and elderly. The increased cell damage from free radicals and inflammation have been implicated in etiology of CHD, and the evidence is accumulating that low zinc status is involved in the prevalence of this inflammatory atherogenic disease. However, little is known about the zinc status of Korean CHD and its relationship with dietary zinc intake and zinc bioavailabilty. In this study the serum zinc levels of male patients with CHD over 40 yrs. were compared with that of healthy adult males and its associations with dietary zinc intake and zinc bioavailabilty affecting factors were examined. Serum zinc level was measured by HANARO research reactor using neutron activation analysis (NAA) method. The overall proportion of patients with zinc deficiency, serum zinc concentrations below 74.0 microgram/dL was 32.8% compared to the 10.3% in healthy group. The average serum zinc levels were 80.7 microgram/dL and 88.3 microgram/dL in patients and healthy group, respectively, showing significantly low zinc status in CHD patients compared to healthy group. The intake of nutrients such as energy, carbohydrate, iron, and copper of CHD patients was significantly higher compared to that of the healthy group. In addition, the intake of calcium, iron, and protein from vegetable foods was significantly higher in CHD patients than that of healthy group. The dietary zinc intake was 12.7+/-4.5 mg and 11.5+/-6.9 mg in CHD patients and control group, respectively, which showed no difference. The phytate intake of patients group, which is 1389.0 mg, was significantly higher than the control group which showed 1104.8 mg. However, the ratio of phytate :zinc or phytate *calcium :zinc per 1000 kcal energy intake did not show any difference between two groups. The serum zinc levels did not show any correlation with zinc or factors that affect the bioavailability of zinc. The dietary factors influencing the zinc status were not found in CHD patients.

Environmental impacts of cooling system on Abou Qir bay

This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of cooling water on cooling system of Abou Qir Power Plant and on the receiving Abou Qir Bay. Abou Qir Power Plant is a conventional steam electric power plant located in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Water and biota samples were collected monthly from cooling water and Abou Qir Bay over a year. Heavy metals, radionuclide, anions and total hydrocarbons were analyzed in the samples using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis [INAA], Gamma-ray Spectrometry [GS], Ion Selective Electrodes [ISE] and Gas Chromatography [GC]. The results revealed that the characteristics of inlet cooling water had a tendency to be corrosive to the cooling system. The outlet cooling water complied with Environmental Law 4/1994 in all measured parameters except phosphate, ammonia and total petroleum hydrocarbons. On the other hand, samples from all sites had the lowest annual total count of algae in winter and highest count during summer. There are -ve correlation's between algae and heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and radioactivity. Algae correlated highly significantly [p<0.01] with Pb, Cu, Ni, total petroleum hydrocarbons, dissolved petroleum hydrocarbon and uranium. Anabaena Sp. [blue green algae] and Euglina Sp.[flagellate] had highly significant [p<0.01] -ve correlation with heavy metals and natural radioactivity. The accumulation percentage of heavy metals by algae ranged from 22% to 37%, and the highest percent was for uranium and the lowest was for chromium. It is recommended to optimize the addition of polyphosphate inhibitor at inlet cooling water to inhibit corrosion in the cooling system and to avoid increase of Anabaena Sp. in the outlet, and to avoid enhancing algae growth that has a great tendency to accumulate heavy metals, and good housekeeping to avoid oil spills containing hydrocarbons from the power plant to sea water

Selenium in bovine plasma, soil and forage measured by neutron activation analysis

A deficiência de selênio já foi identificada pela medição da atividade da enzima glutationa de peroxidase no sangue de animais (vacas) criados em certas regiões do Pampa Umido, mais especificamente na cidade de Nueve de Julio (Buenos Aires - Argentina). Em trabalho anterior, a análise de ativação neutrônica confirmou esses baixos níveis de selênio em uma determinada fazenda de cria para gado de corte. Neste trabalho, foram analisados os níveis de selênio no solo, na forragem e no plasma dos animais do mesmo estabelecimento. A população analisada (n=60) apresentou níveis de selênio abaixo do normal (30,1 ± 4,6æg/ml). De maneira semelhante, a concentração de selênio da forragem consumida - matéria seca igual a 30 por cento - proveniente de uma área de baixada do piquete, assim como o feno de palha de trigo (MS=91 por cento) utilizado como suplemento, foi muito baixa (<0,05æg/gMS). A concentração de selênio no solo foi maior (entre 3,4 e 3,9æg/g MS) do que o intervalo normal (entre 0,02 e 2,50 æg/g MS) em todas as frações analisadas. Desse modo, confirma-se que a deficiência de selênio nos animais analisados é atribuída por uma determinação direta do mineral, ou seja, os resultados indicam que pode existir relação entre a baixa concentração de selênio na forragem e no suplemento, e sua deficiência nos animais.

Assessment of Selenium Status in Adult Females According to Life Cycle

Selenium is a strong antioxidant trace mineral, scavenging free radicals. The prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases is increasing in Korean adults with increasing age. The increased cell damage from free radicals has been implicated in the etiology of these diseases, and evidence is accumulating that the low selenium status that comes with advanced aged is involved in the prevalence of age-associated diseases. However, little is known about the selenium status of Koreans, its age-related change and its relationship to dietary nutrient intake. In this study, the serum selenium levels of healthy adult females according to life cycle and its association with blood albumin levels and nutrient intake were examined. Serum selenium level was measured with the Huwo research reactor using the neutron activation analysis method (NAA). The overall proportion of women with selenium deficiency, serum selenium concentrations below 7.0 microgram/dl, was 9.4%. The average serum selenium levels were 12.39 microgram/dl, 9.45 microgram/dl and 9.16 microgram/dl in the young adult, middle-aged and elderly groups, respectively, showing a reduction of selenium status with advancing age. Selenium deficiency was seen only in the elderly group. Generally, serum selenium levels positively or negatively correlated with nutrient intake, but these association patterns differed depending on the age. The nutrients that showed positive correlations with selenium levels were proteins and phosphate in the young adult group (p<0.05, p<0.05), and total calcium, potassium and vegetable-origin calcium in the middle-aged group. Vitamin C and fiber were the negative correlated nutrients with serum selenium levels in the elderly group (p<0.05, p<0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis of the determining factors responsible for selenium status showed that age and serum albumin levels were important factors which explained up to 26.9% variances in serum selenium levels. The average selenium concentrations of Korean adult female subjects were above the deficiency levels in all three age groups. There was a tendency toward decreasing selenium levels as the age of the subjects increased. The factors with the strongest in-fluence on selenium status in healthy adult Korean females were age and serum protein status.

Bioavailability of zinc from different pakistani cereal grains

The zinc has been determined by Neutron Activation Analysis while phytate by spectrophotometric method in some Pakistani cereal grains. The zinc : phytate ratio found is more than 40:1 in all cereal grains which is far more than the suggested binding ratio of 4:1. Therefore, bioavaliability of zinc from Pakistani cereal grains is more than sufficient and no deficiency can be encountered due to bioavailability of zinc. The only deficiency of zinc which could happen will be due to the pathological conditions

Determinação dos teores de elementos minerais em alimentos convencionais e não convencionais da região amazônica pela técnica de análise por ativação com nêutrons instrumental / Determination of Concentration of the Mineral Elements in Conventional and Non Conventional Foodstuffs from Amazon Region by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

No presente trabalho são apresentados valores de concentração para os elementos minerais Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Se e Zn em alimentos convencionais e não convencionais da região Amazônica, obtidos por análise por ativação neutrônica instrumental. As concentrações dos elementos minerais nos alimentos analisados, variaram, sendo que o potássio se sobressaiu com teores expressivos na jaca (caroço e polpa) e graviola. Dentre os minerais, o selênio foi o que apresentou menor concentração nos alimentos analisados. Entretanto, notadamente importantes foram as concentrações verificadas na graviola, pupunha fruto e palmito. De acordo com os resultados obtidos sugere-se a indicação dos mesmos na alimentação diária dos amazonenses e espera-se contribuir na elaboração de tabelas de composição de alimentos regional e nacional

Mercury content in the gallstones and bile of Thai people (Chiang Mai and Bangkok) and Japanese.

Mercury contents in the gallstones and bile of patients living in Thailand (Chiang Mai and Bangkok) and Japan were studied by neutron activation analysis. The correlation between contents in the gallstones and bile, and the amount of mercury in the diet and environment was investigated by comparing the contents in patients living in three different areas. The content in the bile of the Japanese patients was significantly greater than that of the Thai patients. The distribution of mercury contents in the pigment and rare stones of patients living in Bangkok indicated a bipolarity. However, the distribution of the contents in cholesterol, pigment, and rare stones of Japanese patients did not indicate a bipolarity. Bipolarity would indicate the amount of mercury in dietary foods, and the pollution level of mercury. The mercury contents in the gallstones and bile would reflect the amount of mercury in the diet and environment.