Abstract

FERREIRA, Karla Silva; GOMES, José Carlos; BELLATO, Carlos Roberto  and  JORDAO, Cláudio Pereira. Selenium content of Brazilian foods. Rev Panam Salud Publica [online]. 2002, vol.11, n.3, pp. 172-177. ISSN 1020-4989.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1020-49892002000300006.

Objective. To determine the selenium content of foods consumed in Brazil. Methods. The project was carried out between 1993 and 1999. The food samples were collected in stores in several Brazilian states. The levels of selenium were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by wet oxidation. Results. The highest levels of selenium were found in animal products, especially fish, and in wheat products. We found that plant products generally had selenium levels of less than 5.0 µg/100 g. Conclusions. In Brazil a diet rich in animal products, especially fish, is important in ensuring consumption of the recommended levels of selenium.

Keywords : Análise de alimentos; selênio; deficiência; ingestão alimentar; tabela de composição de alimentos.