Current Knowledge on Selenium Biofortification to Improve the Nutraceutical Profile of Food: A Comprehensive Review.

Roberto D’Amato,Claudio Santi,Beatrice Falcinelli,Primo Proietti,Daniela Businelli,Pablo Pacheco,Luca Regni,Elisabetta Troni,Alessandro Dal Bosco,Simona Mattioli,Paolo Benincasa

doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.0c00172

Roberto D’Amato, Claudio Santi + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c00172

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Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient for living organisms, since it is involved in several physiological and metabolic processes. Se intake in humans is often low and very seldom excessive, and its bioavailability depends also on its chemical form, with organic Se as the most available after ingestion. The main dietary source of Se for humans is represented by plants, since many species are able to metabolize and accumulate organic Se in edible parts to be consumed directly (leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and sprouts) or after processing (oil, wine, etc.). Countless studies have recently investigated the Se biofortification of plants to produce Se-enriched foods and elicit the production of secondary metabolites, which may benefit human health when incorporated into the diet. Moreover, feeding animals Se-rich diets may provide Se-enriched meat. This work reviews the most recent literature on the nutraceutical profile of Se-enriched foods from plant and animal sources.

Highlights

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, and an adequate intake of this essential trace element is thought to be beneficial for maintaining human health.[1]
It is present in several natural kingdoms, humans, animals, cyanobacteria,[2] and some plants; it contributes to the control of water status of plants,[3] prevents oxidative stress, delays senescence, and promotes growth.[4,5]
Similar activity was reported for thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and selenoprotein P, whereas the analogues K, M, N, and H have a number of different roles in the maintenance of the redox homeostasis of living systems, and iodothyronine deiodinases (DIO) have a fundamental role in the activation of the thyroid hormones.[7]

Summary

Introduction

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, and an adequate intake of this essential trace element is thought to be beneficial for maintaining human health.[1].

Results

Conclusion