RESUMEN
Abstract To evaluate the bioavailability of selenium (Se) in Se-yeast to residents with low-Se status, fifty-two youth in a Keshan disease area were randomly divided into three groups, and they were given orally 200 ?g Se daily as So-yeast or sodium selenite, or ordinary yeast for 12 weeks, respectively. Se contents and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) in blood were measured at wk 4 and 8 of supplements and 8wk alter the supplements were discontinued. The results show that: 1. the retention of Se in either plasma or erythrocyte is sigificantly higher in Se-yeast than in sodiurn selenite; 2 the effect of Se in Se-yeast is superior to that of sodium selenite for maintaining GSHpx activities; and 3. the relative bioavailabilities of Se in Se-yeast are 556% and 178% when using erythrocyte and plasma Se contents as the response critria, as well as 158% and 116% when estimated by platelet and plasma GSHpx activities. The results indicate that the bioavailability of Se to the residents in a low-Se Keshan disease area is greater when supplemented Se-yeast than selenite.