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Enriching crops by adding selenium to fertilisers could potentially help to reduce disease and premature death in the African country of Malawi, University of Nottingham researchers say. An international study led by academics at this British university has shown that dietary deficiency of the mineral selenium — which plays a vital role in keeping the immune system healthy and fighting illness — is likely to be endemic among the Malawi population. They found that most Malawi soils cannot supply enough selenium for adequate human nutrition (click here for map). In a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, they call for further investigation into the benefits and costs of using selenium-enriched fertilisers and other strategies to boost levels within the country’s food.
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Source: The University of Nottingham
    13-03-2013 10:49