Serum Selenium concentrations in pregnant women, in women with thyroid disorders and in healthy women in Hungary: Is there a need to supplement?

Introduction: Selenium is an essential trace element. Its recommended daily allowance is 55µg for women and 70µg for men, while in pregnancy the National Research Council recommends a dietary intake of 60µg. Selenium supplementation was reported to prevent colorectal cancer in the United States. Recently, the importance of an optimal selenium intake in thyroid diseases has been stressed by European guidelines. In the 1990s it was established that Hungary is a country with a marginal selenium deficiency. However, there have been few data reporting serum selenium concentrations in Hungary in the last decade. Mater…