Serum
umol/L
| Age | Serum selenium (µmol/L) |
| Under 6 months | 0.30 – 0.54 |
| 6 months – 2 years | 0.38 – 0.74 |
| 5 – 15 years | 0.80 – 1.22 |
| 16 years and over | 0.80 – 1.40 |
Selenium is an antioxidant and is an essential trace element in humans and animals, entering the food chain through plants. In the Keshan province
of China, an endemic cardiomyopathy has been attributed to the region’s severe soil selenium deficiency. It has been suggested that lesser degrees
of deficiency contribute to health problems in western countries including subfertility, cancer and heart disease.
Brazil nuts are a rich natural source of selenium.
28 days
Referred test
Can be added on to an existing request up to 4 days following sample receipt
Trace Element Laboratory, Medical Biochemistry Department, University Hospital Cardiff
Tel 029 20 74 8370/1
14 days
Specimen Labelling Procedure
8210
