Determine recommended nutrient intakes by selenium?

The FAO/WHO 2004 recommendation for nutrient intake for selenium by groups is given in Table. How do these recommendations compare with the US and the UK recommendations? Let us find out. In the UK, the reference nutrient intake has been set at 75 and 60 mcg of selenium per day for men and women, respectively. These are based on the intakes required to saturate plasma glutathione peroxidase. In the U.S., recommended nutrient intake is 70 mcg/day for men and 55 mcg/day for women. Thus, the present FAO/WHO 2004 report represents a significant decrease in the suggested need for selenium. The lower requirements presented are physiologically justifiable and will only give rise to concern if there are grounds for serious uncertainty as to the predictability of dietary selenium intake.