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HERO ID
786398
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
No evidence of selenosis from a selenium-rich diet in the Brazilian Amazon
Author(s)
Lemire, M; Philibert, A; Fillion, M; Passos, CJ; Guimarães, JR; Barbosa, F; Mergler, D
Year
2012
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Environment International
ISSN:
0160-4120
EISSN:
1873-6750
Volume
40
Page Numbers
128-136
Language
English
PMID
21856002
DOI
10.1016/j.envint.2011.07.005
Web of Science Id
WOS:000301025600017
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential element and a well-known anti-oxidant. In the Lower Tapajós River region of the Brazilian Amazon, biomarkers of Se range from normal to very high. The local traditional diet includes important Se sources such as Brazil nuts, chicken, game meat and certain fish species. Some studies have reported alterations in keratin structure, gastrointestinal problems and paresthesia in populations with high Se intake. The objective of the present study was to evaluate cutaneous and garlic odor of the breath signs and sentinel symptoms of Se toxicity (selenosis) in relation to Se status in communities along the Tapajós River. Participants (N=448), aged 15-87years, were recruited from 12 communities. Se concentrations were measured in blood (B-Se) and plasma (P-Se) by ICP-MS. A nurse performed an examination of the hair, nails, skin and breath for signs of Se toxicity. Interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on socio-demographics, medical history and possible symptoms of Se toxicity. In this population, the median levels of B-Se and P-Se were 228.4μg/L (range 103.3-1500.2μg/L) and 134.8μg/L (range 53.6-913.2μg/L) respectively. Although B-Se and P-Se surpassed concentrations considered toxic (B-Se: 1000μg/L (U.S. EPA, 2002)), no dermal or breath signs or symptoms of Se toxicity were associated with the biomarkers of Se status. In the present study population, where Se intake is mostly from traditional diet, there is no evidence of selenosis. These findings support the need to re-assess Se toxicity considering factors such as the chemical form of Se exposure, route of exposure (inhaled versus ingested), co-exposures to toxic elements such as mercury. Considering the current food transition towards a western diet in the Amazon, further studies should address the possible association between high Se status and cardiometabolic health in this study population.
Keywords
Selenium; Toxicity; Selenosis; Mercury; Dietary sources; Brazil nut
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Methylmercury
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