Major new study pinpoints the main nutrients Britons are deficient in – with nearly half lacking mineral vital for good heart health

A major review has revealed the nutrients Britons are deficient in – and nearly half are lacking in a little-known mineral that is essential to healthy heart function.

The analysis, published in the journal Food and Nutrition Sciences, revealed many had low levels of vitamin A, folate (B9), vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. 

But a staggering 45 per cent of adults were deficient in selenium, a vital mineral found in Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, eggs and dairy products such as cottage cheese. 

Selenium deficiency can cause thyroid issues, a weakened immune system, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety and confusion.

The NHS says the daily recommended dose of selenium between the ages of 19 and 64 is 75μg for men and 60μg for women. 

This is roughly one and a half salmon fillets for men and one salmon fillet for women, or one large Brazil nut each.

Meanwhile, the amount children need depends on their age – the government says one to three-year-olds need 15µg/day, while 11 to 14-year-olds need 45µg/day.

The recommended dose for one to three year-olds is equivalent to one hard-boiled egg, and for 11 to 14-year-olds it’s three boiled eggs.

However, the study – led by public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire – found nearly half of UK adults get less than the recommended amount. 

Experts say selenium deficiency often starts from childhood, as the review found over a third of 11 to 18-year-olds had less than recommended.

Worryingly, the review found women seemed to be particularly deficient in the mineral which is vital for heart health.

It is thought to be good for muscles like the heart because it’s antioxidant properties fights oxidative stress – an imbalance which can damage organs.

The review found 45 per cent of teenage girls and 57 per cent of women between the ages of 19 and 64 were deficient in it.  

This seems to continue throughout women’s lives as this was also the case for over half of elderly women too.

Previously a study found that selenium was linked to lower risk of heart disease, but the authors didn’t recommend supplements to prevent it.

The NHS recommends getting your intake of the mineral through diet alone if possible but there are supplements on the market.

However, if you take too much selenium, the NHS warns it can cause selenosis which can cause hair and nail loss in mild cases and death in severe cases.

The Department of Health and Social Care says that taking 350μg or less a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

The fresh findings were based on an analysis of data from the Office of National Statistic’s UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey which was released earlier.

It includes data on the nutrition and diet of children and adults in the UK between 2019 and 2023.

Writing in the journal, the authors said: ‘In 2016, vitamin D, calcium, iron and iodine shortfalls were most common, and it was predicted that these micronutrients of concern would remain similar 10 years on.

‘That prediction is largely correct. Today, we are continuing to see a demise in public health nutrition.

‘For the future, if nutrient levels continue to be poor and below the recommended levels, the future health and wellness of the nation could be at risk. 

‘Public health interventions and education about dietary sources of specific vitamins and minerals are now central to ensuring optimal health and wellbeing across populations, especially young girls. 

‘If such nutrition policies are not implemented, along with fairer food costs for healthy foods, the NHS is likely to experience greater strains, resulting in higher costs from treating the health consequences of poor-quality diets.’