Selenium deficiency risks in sub-Saharan African food systems and their geospatial linkages

Ligowe, I. S.; Phiri, F. P.; Ander, E.L.; Bailey, E. H.; Chilimba, A. D. C.; Gashu, D.; Joy, E. J. M.; Lark, R. M.; Kabambe, V.; Kalimbira, A. A.; Kumssa, D. B.; Nalivata, P. C.; Young, S. D.; Broadley, M. R.. 2020 Selenium deficiency risks in sub-Saharan African food systems and their geospatial linkages. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 79 (4). 457-467. 10.1017/S0029665120006904

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0029665120006904

Abstract/Summary

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human health. However, our knowledge of the prevalence of Se deficiency is less than for other micronutrients of public health concern such as iodine, iron and zinc, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies of food systems in SSA, in particular in Malawi, have revealed that human Se deficiency risks are widespread and influenced strongly by geography. Direct evidence of Se deficiency risks includes nationally representative data of Se concentrations in blood plasma and urine as population biomarkers of Se status. Long-range geospatial variation in Se deficiency risks has been linked to soil characteristics and their effects on the Se concentration of food crops. Selenium deficiency risks are also linked to socio-economic status including access to animal source foods. This review highlights the need for geospatially-resolved data on the movement of Se and other micronutrients in food systems which span agriculture–nutrition–health disciplinary domains (defined as a GeoNutrition approach). Given that similar drivers of deficiency risks for Se, and other micronutrients, are likely to occur in other countries in SSA and elsewhere, micronutrient surveillance programmes should be designed accordingly.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1017/S0029665120006904
ISSN:	0029-6651
Date made live:	28 Jan 2021 16:14 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/529541

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1017/S0029665120006904

ISSN:

0029-6651

Date made live:

28 Jan 2021 16:14 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/529541