What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for selenium for adults?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) individuals in each life-stage and gender group (9). The 2000 RDAs for selenium for adults (9), in micrograms (mcg), are: Life-Stage ?Men ?Women ?Pregnancy ?Lactation Ages 19 + 55 mcg 55 mcg ? ? All ages ? ? 60 mcg 70 mcg Results of the Total Diet Study, a national survey conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1982-86), indicated that the diets of most adult men and women provide recommended amounts of selenium (10). ? When can selenium deficiency occur? Selenium deficiency is most commonly seen in parts of China where the selenium content in the soil, and therefore selenium intake, is very low. Selenium deficiency is linked to Keshan Disease. The most common signs of selenium deficiency seen in Keshan Disease are an enlarged heart and poor heart function (11). Keshan disease has been observed in low-selenium areas of
