Abstract
The present study investigates consumers’ acceptance of Se-biofortified apples, as well as Se health and nutrition claims that have been approved by the European Commission. Despite indications that such statements are more likely to be accepted if the carrier product itself has a healthy image, unprocessed fruits biofortified with Se have not been investigated in this context yet. Apples as the most frequently-consumed type of fresh fruit in Germany may offer the potential to improve the Se status of consumers when the produce is enriched with Se. Therefore, an online survey of 356 German adults was conducted to analyze different aspects that could affect the perception of and preference for the proposed product concept by consumers. The findings indicate a moderate acceptance of Se-biofortified apples, as well as of Se health and nutrition claims among the participants. Additional information about beneficial health effects of Se had a significant impact on consumer acceptance. People who regularly eat convenience food and prefer to buy apples at supermarkets were particularly attracted by the product idea. In conclusion, the results of the study indicate good prospects for a successful introduction of Se-rich apples in the German food market, if the produce is advertised with approved health and nutrition claims.
Highlights
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is important for manifold aspects of human health, including optimal immune response, proper thyroid hormone metabolism, cardiovascular health and prevention of neurodegeneration and cancer [1,2,3]
The results indicate that participants with a high acceptance for Se-biofortified apples generally considered fruit to be the appropriate food category to achieve an optimal intake of Se
The results indicate that the possible nutrition claims for Se may be more attractive to consumers if they gain a better understanding of Se and its relevance to human health
Summary
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is important for manifold aspects of human health, including optimal immune response, proper thyroid hormone metabolism, cardiovascular health and prevention of neurodegeneration and cancer [1,2,3]. Se primarily enters the food chain through plants, which take it up from the soil [4,5]. In many parts of Europe, soil Se concentrations are relatively low [6]. Plant-based food often contributes little to the Se intake of humans. Food of animal origin may be richer in Se due to the use of feed supplements in livestock production or the application of Se-enriched fertilizers on pastures [7,8]. Sausages, eggs, milk and dairy products and, fish are usually major food sources of Se in the human diet [9]. A higher Se status in omnivores as compared to vegetarians and vegans was determined in a number of epidemiological studies [10]. Suboptimal Se status was reported to be widespread throughout
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