Beef is the primary source of selenium in North America. Dietary intake of selenium decreases the risk of colon cancer, whereas red meat consumption may increase the risk. Previous studies in animals have demonstrated that selenium from beef is in a form that is exceptionally easy to absorb and well utilized.

You will eat meals and drink beverages provided by the Center. During the study period of 15 weeks, you can not eat or drink any other food or beverage. Most of the food ingredients come from a local grocery store. The diet will contain adequate amounts of all nutrients and will be provided to you in a three day menu rotation.

You will be expected to come to the Center every week day, except holidays, for breakfast. This means you will be limited in the distance you can go from the Center during the week. You could leave the area after eating your breakfast on Friday, as long as you were back for Monday breakfast. If you leave, you will be expected to take your food with you and make arrangements for refrigeration and cooking.

On day 63, you will be served either rabbit meat or yeast for breakfast. A stable isotope of selenium will be used to follow the metabolism of selenium in the rabbit meat or the yeast. We will measure selenium status and antioxidant status on collected blood, saliva, urine and feces samples.

For your participation, you could earn up to $2240.