Abstract
The essentiality of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) to human beings and the widespread areas of selenium and iodine deficiency determine the high significance of functional food production with high levels of these elements. In this respect, joint biofortification of agricultural crops with Se and I is especially attractive. Nevertheless, in practice this topic has raised many problems connected with the possible utilization of many Se and I chemical forms, different doses and biofortification methods, and the existence of wide species and varietal differences. The limited reports relevant to this subject and the multiplicity of unsolved questions urge the need for an adequate evaluation of the results obtained up-to-date, useful for developing further future investigations. The present review discusses the outcome of joint plant Se–I biofortification, as well as factors affecting Se and I accumulation in plants, paying special attention to unsolved issues. A particular focus has been given to the prospects of herb sprouts production enriched with Se and I, as well as the interactions between the latter microelements and arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).
Highlights
An adequate consumption of essential elements, such as Fe, Zn, Se, and I is one of the most important factors for maintaining good human health conditions
Based on the literature reports indicating a high variability of the results and the complexity of this topic, the present review is aimed both to provide the current status and to trigger future investigations relevant to the joint Se–I biofortification of agricultural crops, so as to develop and implement the technology of functional food production enabling to decrease, at least partially, the ecological risks connected with the deficiency of these two microelements
From a practical point of view the present knowledge of Se–I interaction in plants indicates the actual possibility of industrial production both of sprouts and microgreens and of several agricultural crops fortified with these elements, and emphasizes the importance of wide arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) utilization capable to increase plant yield and quality, and to enhance the accumulation of Se and I
Summary
An adequate consumption of essential elements, such as Fe, Zn, Se, and I is one of the most important factors for maintaining good human health conditions. Se and I draw special attention due to the close relationship between their metabolism in mammals, where the fundamental function of Se is its presence in the active center of triiodothyronine deiodinases, involved in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones [1,2,3], in addition to its participation in other enzymes involved in antioxidant defense: glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductase, selenophosphate synthetase and some special proteins (Sel P, W, etc.) [4] This fact entails the need to optimize the joint Se–I consumption levels associated with food products for guaranteeing thyroid and reproductive functions, improving immunity, and protecting against viral, cardiovascular diseases and cancer [1,4]. Based on the literature reports indicating a high variability of the results and the complexity of this topic, the present review is aimed both to provide the current status and to trigger future investigations relevant to the joint Se–I biofortification of agricultural crops, so as to develop and implement the technology of functional food production enabling to decrease, at least partially, the ecological risks connected with the deficiency of these two microelements
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
