VEGANALYZEDaily Selenium Requirement
Selenium must be provided to the body daily as an essential trace element to prevent selenium deficiency.
Selenium Requirement for the United States
For the United States, the following daily selenium intake levels are recommended 1:
| Gender and Age Group | Amount in µg |
|---|---|
| Men | |
| ≥ 19 years | 55 |
| Women | |
| ≥ 19 years | 55 |
| Pregnant ≥ 19 years | 60 |
| Breastfeeding ≥ 19 years | 70 |
| Children / Adolescents | |
| 0 to 6 months | 15* |
| 7 to 12 months | 20* |
| 1 to 3 years | 20 |
| 4 to 8 years | 30 |
| 9 to 13 years | 40 |
| Boys 14 to 18 years | 55 |
| Girls 14 to 18 years | 55 |
| Pregnant, 14 to 18 years | 60 |
| Breastfeeding, 14 to 18 years | 70 |
*Adequate Intake (AI)
Vegans have lower selenium intake
According to research results from Sweden, selenium consumption is lower in a vegan diet, with 10 µg below the daily requirement of 60 to 70 µg for adults 2. According to a Danish study from 2015, 37 vegan women examined had an average selenium intake of 25 µg per day 3. The 33 vegan men examined had a slightly better intake of 33 µg per day. The low selenium intake is primarily attributed to selenium-poor soils.
Therefore, vegans should pay attention to a selenium-rich diet. Selenium-rich foods can be found in the table.