Selenium in the UK: All this really does is... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

144,114 members169,562 posts

Selenium in the UK

helvella profile image
6 Replies

All this really does is illustrate the variation in selenium content in the top soil in the UK.

Even if you grow most of your own produce, the actual amount in the produce from your patch could well be higher or lower than your neighbour.

Adding the image to a reply so that it can be expanded much larger!

Written by
helvella profile image
helvella
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
helvella profile image
helvella

This map (and similar maps for many other elements) is available from the British Geological Survey:

UK: Topsoil geochemistry

bgs.ac.uk/datasets/uk-topso...

A shame Scotland, in particular, isn't better covered.

Selenium UK map
amala57 profile image
amala57

Interesting that the west has much higher levels than the east. However, so much of our food is imported now, it probably is generally irrelevant.

helvella profile image
helvella in reply toamala57

Though when you go to the shops, a lot of brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, turnips, mushrooms, are grown in the UK. As well as much meat. Though that is complicated by not, in general, knowing where their feed comes from.

If you look at potatoes in particular, a lot are from Lincolnshire and Norfolk - which appear low. But some are Welsh which are likely to be high. So there are circumstances in which it might be possible to influence intake fairly directly. However, the Marches are low. Which means you might have to look ever closer! :-)

amala57 profile image
amala57 in reply tohelvella

I live in Norfolk, but my levels were at the top of the range. It's complicated I think....

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Very interesting helvella; thanks for sharing 👍

Jingley profile image
Jingley

The really dark areas with the highest concentration of selenium in the soil are National Parks - Lake District, Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons. These are areas where most of the farming is livestock. The other darker areas are hilly regions, ie the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, where again most farming is livestock.

Just goes to show how arable farming depletes nutrients from soil and why we have to fertilise fields. (Or take supplements)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Iodine and selenium testing in Uk- worth the fight?

Hi all, So recently I feel like I may actually be iodine deficient and because of hashimotos I have...
Saya85 profile image

Selenium requirements

Just a little nugget of wisdom for you all. Chuck 2/3 Brazil nuts in your diet a day and you've got...
Jodypody profile image

SeasideSusie Selenium

Hi SeaSideSusie! Can you direct me to your list of products (Brazil nuts) with listed mg of...

Selenium in Brazil nuts

Hello, I was just wandering about selenium in Brazil nuts. I eat two organic Brazil nuts from...
LOUPS profile image

The importance of selenium in thyroid disease

This MS describes the importance of selenium in thyroid disease monitoring. I can't access the full...
diogenes profile image
Remembering

Moderation team

See all
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.