Books – like everything else – are a moment in time.
Just Cause and Effect: Selenium Deficiency in New Zealand tells the history of farming and nutrition in our country, the conclusion that selenium is an essential mineral is inescapable, and the probably that most of us don’t have enough of it.
How much is enough? Well the recommended level for good health is between 1.6 and 1.9 umol/L according to a 2012 review published by Nutrition Professor Margaret Raymon in the Lancet. What’s the reference range in New Zealand – that would be significantly lower – 0.45 to 1.40.
Selenium testing isn’t subsidized in most cases, but most labs have a self-referral system where, for a fee, you can test your own levels.
