Which of the following statements best describes why selenium levels vary in different foods?

• A. Virtually all plant foods are high in selenium, while animal products are not.
• B. Areas with greater rain fall will have crops with less selenium.
• C. Some geographic areas are naturally low in selenium, while others are high in selenium.
• D. Fertilizers often contain selenium, so fertilized crops will be higher in selenium.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of selenium in nutrition: Selenium is a trace mineral essential for various bodily functions, including antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism. Its levels in food depend on environmental factors.
2. Recognize that selenium content in plant-based foods is influenced by the soil in which they are grown. Selenium levels in soil vary geographically, which directly impacts the selenium content of crops.
3. Consider the impact of rainfall: Areas with higher rainfall may experience leaching of selenium from the soil, leading to lower selenium levels in crops grown in those regions.
4. Acknowledge the role of fertilizers: Fertilizers enriched with selenium can increase the selenium content of crops, but this is not a universal practice and depends on agricultural methods in specific regions.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Some geographic areas are naturally low in selenium, while others are high in selenium,' as this statement best explains the variability in selenium levels in foods based on environmental and geographic factors.