ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to assess to which extent the food biodiversity and the dietary diversity affect Se intake adequacy in Kenya. Selenium (Se) deficiency in humans has been reported particularly in geographical regions characterized by low soil Se concentrations and over-reliance on a narrow range of staple foods produced on these soils, as is the case for subsistence farming households in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, the food preferences of various social groups, food preparation methods, and changes in eating habits also affect dietary Se intake. High variability of Se concentrations in foodstuffs highlights the importance of inter and intra food group consumption to attain daily Se requirements. The associations between Dietary Species Richness and dietary Se intake and Nutrient Adequacy Ratio are positive and significant for both women and children in Central Highlands. Fish intake contributes a larger proportion of the daily dietary Se intake in Lake Basin, while plant-based diets are predominant in Central Highlands.
