Selenium content of Thai foods

Information on selenium content of foods in different countries, particularly among Asian countries, including Thailand, is limited. In this study, the fluorometric method for selenium determination was tested for accuracy and reliability prior to applying for analysis of selenium in various Thai foods. Common food commodities, i.e., cereals, meat, poultry, seafood, fish, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables were purchased from 10 representative markets in Bangkok which symbolized the outlets of the commodities from various regions in Thailand. A wide range of selenium content was found among the various food groups. High levels were found in seafood and fish, and eggs with mean±s.d. of 45.0±20.8 and 40.2±14.1 μg/100 g, respectively. Moderate levels of selenium were found in meat and poultry, and pulses with mean±s.d. of 18.2±5.8 μg/100 g and 13.1±13.4 μg/100 g, respectively. Cow's milk and cereals contained low concentrations of selenium (6.4±2.4 μg/100 g and 5.0±1.1 μg/100 g, respectively). Selenium content in vegetables and fruits (1.2±2.0 μg/100 g and 0.6±0.5 μg/100 g, respectively) was lower than the reported values from other countries.