Environmental pathways and dietary intake of selenium in a selenium rich rural community in China: A natural biofortification case study

摘要

Diet plays a significant role in the Chinese concept of health and disease. In overall terms, plant-derived foods provide about 93% of energy, 87% of protein and 55% of fat to the Chinese (Sun et al., 2014). The obvious result of "good health" can be observed in long-lived individuals inhabiting specific areas in China, e.g., Bama, Guangxi Province; Enshi, Hubei Province and Shitai, Anhui province (Liu & Li, 1986). Not only are the inhabitants consuming locally grown food commodities but their normal active life activities, e.g., food gathering, strenuous walking, climbing, and carrying activities, and experiencing no city stress, all likely contribute to their longevity. Another factor that appears to naturally exist in these areas, as well as in plants and other food products, is sufficient levels of natural-occurring selenium (Se). This is an important environmental finding since Se deficiencies are present in over 72% of the population of China (Wu et al., 2015). In a rural region within Anhui Province, a recent survey conducted by Anhui Bureau of Geological Survey (unpublished data) showed that there are about 407 km2 within Shitai county that are considered Se rich. In this county, there are two unique villages called "Dashan" and "Xianyu" that are both known for their very low or non-existent rates of cancer. In addition, there is a high percentage (about 12%; unpublished data) of both their populations who are over 80 years old. Is there also a role for Se and/or a relationship between Se intake and longevity? Our objective was to eventually determine the sources of Se for the typical inhabitants in this region, and calculate the Se daily intake based on diet investigation.