Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is required in very minute amounts by all
animals, including pigs. Certain soils in the U.S. and Canada are low in selenium,
including the north central and eastern regions of Canada and the northeastern, Pacific,
southwestern, and extreme southeastern regions of the U.S (see figure). The consumption of selenium-enriched meat could have direct health implications for
humans. In research conducted at the University of Arizona, a large group of men were
given a pill containing either organic selenium or a placebo for an extended period of
time. For the group that was given a daily supplement of organic selenium, there was a
63% decrease in prostate cancer, a 58% decrease in colon and rectal cancers, and a 45%
decrease in lung cancer. In addition, the overall cancer death rate in this group was
reduced by 50%. Other researchers have reported benefits of adequate selenium nutrition
on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, immunity, fertility, and heart disease.
Time will tell whether or not selenium-enriched pork will catch on as a “health food”.
The meat industry has been touting meat’s virtues as a superior source of nutrients,
compared to food of plant origin, for many years. It looks like, with regards to selenium,
the meat industry may have the upper hand.