High serum selenium concentrations in reindeer breeding Lappish men.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the relationship of serum selenium to its dietary sources in a group of Lappish men and a control population. Lappish men had higher serum selenium concentrations than non-Lappish men (1.79 vs 1.58 mumol/1; p = 0.003). Serum selenium correlated positively with consumption of reindeer meat, age and cholesterol. In linear regression models, however, being Lappish was the most significant predictor of high serum selenium. Lappish men ate more reindeer meat (p = 0.001) and less fish (p = 0.013) than men in the control group. Consumption of reindeer meat was also correlated with higher serum cholesterol levels. We conclude that high serum selenium concentrations in Lappish men may be important since low mortality from cancer is reported in this group.