Effect of smoking and alcohol consumption on the serum selenium level of Lower Silesian population

Serum selenium ŽSe. levels and glutathione peroxidase ŽGSH-Px. activity in erythrocytes have been determined for a healthy Lower Silesian population. The results have been analysed in relation to smoking and alcohol consumption habits. The mean concentration of serum Se for the group is within the lower range and appears to be significantly lower in the group of smokers that was studied Žsmoking over 20 cigarettes day, mean concentration value 50.8 g l., compared to non-smokers Žmean value 78.8 g l.. For men that smoke, the concentration is lower than that found for smoking women, however, the difference is without statistical significance. Regarding GSH-Px activity, no difference between the smoking and non-smoking groups has been found Žmean values 19.84 and 20.92 U gHb, respectively.. From the group of people examined, we have selected those who drink an equivalent of 50 g or more of pure ethanol per week. For this group the serum Se level has been found to be lower compared to the group that does not consume that much alcohol. However, the difference is without statistical significance. We have found no correlation between age and the parameters studied Žserum Se concentration and GSH-Px activity..