Selenium status in adults and children in Lusaka, Zambia

Zyambo, Kanekwa; Hodges, Phoebe; Chandwe, Kanta; Chisenga, Caroline Cleopatra; Mayimbo, Sebean; Amadi, Beatrice; Kelly, Paul; Kayamba, Violet

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09782

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Among the children, 24% had plasma selenium less than 0.41 µmol/L [13]. Similar separate research conducted in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi strongly suggests that selenium deficiency is widespread in Southern Africa and could, in part, be related to the socio-economic status of the people [12,21,54]. Supplementation and selenium-rich fertilizers are needed to boost levels in the maize, which is a staple food in most Southern African countries.…”

Section: Selenium In the Human Populationmentioning

confidence: 65%

“…Selenocysteine is the most common form of selenium in the body of an animal and aids in the function of selenoproteins [59,97]. Selenium deficiencies have been observed in several countries throughout the world, especially in African countries, with the main attribute being low-income levels, creating a barrier to afford a diet that is rich in selenium and soils being poor in selenium [21]. Research in Malawi suggested that selenium status in the human population is mainly dependent on local soils and agriculture; further findings from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa also agree with the findings in Malawi [54,78,98].…”

Section: Selenium In the Human Populationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to the recent research conducted in Zambia on the status of selenium in the blood plasma of a sample population, a total of 660 plasma samples from 391 adults and 269 children were analyzed. Adults had a median plasma selenium concentration of 0.27 µmol/L (IQR 0.14-0.43) [21]. Concentrations consistent with deficiency (<0.63 µmol/L) were found in 83% of the adults.…”

Section: Selenium In the Human Populationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to research, HIV infections have been linked to selenium deficiencies, which are associated with a high risk of death due to tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases [19,20]. With these results, many health institutions in Africa recommend selenium supplementation in HIV patients [14,[21][22][23][24]. In some trials, selenium supplementation in HIV patients had reduced hospitalization and improved CD4 counts and diarrheal morbidity; however, the evidence is not very clear and will require further investigation [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Selenium Status of Southern Africa

Chilala,

Skalickova,

Horky

2024

Nutrients

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Selenium is an essential trace element that exists in inorganic forms (selenite and selenates) and organic forms (selenoamino acids, seleno peptides, and selenoproteins). Selenium is known to aid in the function of the immune system for populations where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is endemic, as studies suggest that a lack of selenium is associated with a higher risk of mortality among those with HIV. In a recent study conducted in Zambia, adults had a median plasma selenium concentration of 0.27 μmol/L (IQR 0.14–0.43). Concentrations consistent with deficiency (<0.63 μmol/L) were found in 83% of adults. With these results, it can be clearly seen that selenium levels in Southern Africa should be investigated to ensure the good health of both livestock and humans. The recommended selenium dietary requirement of most domesticated livestock is 0.3 mg Se/kg, and in humans above 19 years, anRDA (recommended daily allowance) of 55 mcg Se/per dayisis recommended, but most of the research findings of Southern African countries have recorded low levels. With research findings showing alarming low levels of selenium in soils, humans, and raw feed materials in Southern Africa, further research will be vital in answering questions on how best to improve the selenium status of Southern African soils and plants for livestock and humans to attain sufficient quantities.

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