A risk-benefit assessment of dietary selenium and its implications in preschool children’s growth performance in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: Optimizing nutrient intake is crucial for the health and development of preschool children. While previous studies assessed the risks and benefits of selenium (Se) from fish and seafood, few have examined its intake from common foods and its association with children's growth. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated optimal foods for achieving a dietary Se surplus and the implications for the growth performance of preschool children. METHODS: Mercury (Hg) and Se concentrations were analyzed in 108 commercially available foods to conduct a dietary risk-benefit assessment of Se intake. Hg exposure was evaluated using hair samples from 349 preschool children enrolled between August 2017 and July 2022. Information on food consumption frequencies and nutrient compositions was obtained through dietary surveys. RESULTS: across food groups indicated that the children's overall dietary Se intake was positive and nutritionally advantageous. Dietary Se, mainly from fish and eggs, was positively associated with weight and height development, whereas excessive fruit consumption may slightly reduce Se intake and adversely affect growth. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate consumption of fish and eggs should be encouraged to support optimal growth and neurodevelopment. Overall, dietary patterns of Taiwanese preschool children provide beneficial levels of Se and ω-3 fatty acids while maintaining low Hg-related risks, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of Hg levels in locally consumed foods to ensure dietary safety.