The American journal of clinical nutrition
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Evidence is accumulating to suggest that selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for man and is reviewed with emphasis on those aspects peculiar to New Zealand. The extremely low Se levels in New Zealand soils results in a low Se content of foods, low dietary intakes, low urinary excretions, and low blood Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities. Of these, plasma Se gives a short-term index of nutritional status while erythrocyte Se and glutathione peroxidase activities give a long-term index. ⋯ It is not yet possible to predict a minimum Se requirement for health but it appears that the intake of New Zealanders might be on the borderline. At present supplementation by the general population is not justified, but may be necessary for certain vulnerable groups such as patients on restricted diets. The most effective means of supplementation for increasing the Se status of New Zealanders is under study.
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Twenty patients who had symptoms that were apparently neurotically functional are reported because they proved to have abnormal red cell transketolase activity. Although in many of the cases the etiology appeared to be associated with heavy consumption of "junk" foods, carbonated or sweet beverages, and candy, this was not so in all of them and the etiology in these cases remains obscure. The symptoms in all 20 patients could be correlated with those well documented in early beriberi and all were clinically improved by the administration of thiamin. ⋯ In 10 patients improved transketolase activity was correlated with clinical well-being. The other 10 patients did not keep their return appointments. Telephone contract revealed that they were asymptomatic.