US EPA

4956624 

Journal Article 

Selenium status of children in Kashin-Beck disease endemic areas in Shaanxi, China: assessment with mercury 

Du, B; Zhou, J; Zhou, J 

2018 

Yes 

Environmental Geochemistry and Health
ISSN: 0269-4042
EISSN: 1573-2983 

Springer Netherlands 

DORDRECHT 

40 

2 

903-913 

English 

29018984 

10.1007/s10653-017-0033-4 

WOS:000427282900024 

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85030830273&doi=10.1007%2fs10653-017-0033-4&partnerID=40&md5=214149ff53b711aad475c540f4fa62b7
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The causes of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in children are multifactorial, and particular consideration has been given to childhood selenium (Se) deficiency. In this study, dietary intake of Se and mercury (Hg) was determined at KBD areas to investigate the Se status and risks. Therefore, total Hg and Se levels were investigated in scalp hair samples and in daily intake food samples of 150 schoolchildren in Yongshou County of Shaanxi, China. The results showed that the average concentration of Se in children's hair has risen to 302 ng g-1 and significantly increased compared to the data reported decades ago. Children at KBD endemic areas likely have improved Se status due to the Se supplementation in food at recent decades. However, all the children in the study areas still showed lower Se status compared to those in other non-KBD areas of China. The probable daily intake of Se in the study areas was still lower after stopping Se supplementation in food at KBD areas, which is 17.96 μg day-1. Food produced locally cannot satisfy the lowest demand for Se nutrition for local residents. If the interactions of Se-Hg detoxification are considered, Hg intake from food exacerbates Se deficiency at the KBD areas. 

Endemic diseases; Hair samples; Probable daily intake; Se–Hg interactions; Staple food 

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH