No abstract

We review literature demonstrating that soil zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) deficiencies drive human Zn and Se status in some developing contexts, largely through reducing local crop Zn and Se concentration. We then illustrate that in Malawi, human Se status is higher on calcareous soils (the only soils growing high‐Se crops) and close to lakes (which hold Se‐rich fish). We also show that human Se status is predicted by the soil type surrounding and lake proximity of one's nearest market. This makes sense, since Malawians depend heavily on crops from market, particularly during lean season when Se status was measured.