Dietary selenium intake based on the Chinese Food Pagoda: the influence of dietary patterns on selenium intake

Background: Selenium (Se) is essential for humans, with many critical roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Fish, eggs and meats are usually the rich food sources of Se. To improve the nutritional status of population, a new version of balanced dietary pattern in the form of the Chinese Food Pagoda (2016) was proclaimed. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of this balanced dietary pattern to daily Se intake, and to assess Se intake status of Chinese residents under this Food Pagoda scenario. Methods: Based on the food consumption recommended in the Food Pagoda, this study collected the data of Se contents in various food composites and estimated dietary Se intakes (EITDs) in 12 provinces from the 4th China Total Diet Study. The estimated Se intakes based on the Chinese Food Pagoda (EICHFP) in 12 provinces were calculated. EITDs and EICHFP in various food groups among different regions were compared. Results: The average EICHFP in all regions, within the range of 66.23-145.20 mu g/day, was greater than the China recommended nutrient intake (RNI) (60 mu g/day). None of the highest EICHFP went beyond the tolerable upper intake level of Se (400 mu g/day). Animal source foods should be the primary source of daily Se intake according to the EICHFP. The average EITDS in China (88 mu g/day) was in line with its range of EICHFP (81.01-124.25 mu g/day), but that in half of the regions failed to achieve their lowest EICHFP. Significant differences between EITDS and EICHFP were observed in cereal food, aquatic and dairy products (P < 0.05), among which Se intake from aquatic and dairy products presented seriously insufficient in almost all regions. Conclusions: The ideal dietary pattern recommended in the Food Pagoda can meet the daily requirements of Chinese population for Se intake to maintain optimal health. From the perspective of the balanced diet and Se-rich sources, the consumption of aquatic products should be increased appropriately to improve the general Se intake level of Chinese population.