* Lower selenium levels were linked with lower cognitive scores in Chinese individuals aged 65 years and older (most of whom had lived in the same rural village all their lives).
* Five different tests were used to assess cognitive function in these individuals and results were compared with selenium levels in nail samples to examine any possible association between lifelong selenium intake and cognitive function.
* As selenium levels improved so too did cognitive function.
Shaun’s comment: The low levels of selenium in New Zealand soil have been well documented. What is not clear is whether there are health implications from this, given that selenium is an antioxidant. Studies such as this one should always be interpreted with caution, as an association between low selenium intake and markers of dementia and reduced cognitive function does not necessarily mean that the low levels of selenium are the cause of the problem, or that additional selenium would prevent the problem. However, the finding of a dose-response relationship strengthens the possibility of a causal relationship.
Study reference:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwk073
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