Sources of selenium
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Sources of Selenium: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Selenium Sources
Selenium (Se) is a crucial micronutrient for both humans and animals, playing a vital role in various physiological and metabolic processes. Its bioavailability and effectiveness largely depend on its chemical form, with organic selenium being more readily absorbed by the body compared to inorganic forms1 2 9. This article explores the primary sources of selenium, including plants, animals, and environmental factors.
Plant-Based Sources of Selenium
Selenium Biofortification in Plants
Plants are the main dietary source of selenium for humans. Many plant species can metabolize and accumulate organic selenium in their edible parts, such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and sprouts1. Biofortification, the process of increasing the selenium content in plants, has been extensively studied to produce selenium-enriched foods that can enhance human health1. This method not only improves the nutritional profile of the plants but also helps in addressing selenium deficiencies in various populations.
Selenium Uptake and Metabolism in Plants
Selenium is taken up by plants through sulfur transporters in the root plasma membrane and is metabolized via the sulfur assimilatory pathway10. At low doses, selenium can protect plants from various abiotic stresses, such as cold, drought, and metal stress10. However, excessive selenium can lead to toxicity, causing oxidative stress and protein dysfunction in plants10.
Animal-Based Sources of Selenium
Selenium in Livestock and Poultry
Feeding animals selenium-rich diets can result in selenium-enriched meat, which serves as a significant source of selenium for humans1. In poultry nutrition, organic forms of selenium, such as selenomethionine, have shown advantages over inorganic forms like sodium selenite. These organic forms are better absorbed and stored in the body, providing a more effective antioxidant defense during stress conditions6 7 8.
Selenium Supplementation in Animal Diets
Different sources of selenium, including selenium yeast, selenomethionine, and nano-selenium, have been studied for their effects on growth performance, meat quality, and selenium retention in broilers. Organic and nano-selenium sources have demonstrated better meat quality and higher selenium retention compared to inorganic sources7 8.
Environmental Sources of Selenium
Natural and Anthropogenic Sources
The primary natural source of selenium in soils is the weathering of selenium-containing rocks. Secondary sources include volcanic activities, coal burning, selenium-containing fertilizers, and some waters4. Selenium cycles through the environment, being taken up by plants and microorganisms, volatilized into the atmosphere, and deposited back through precipitation4.
Selenium Contamination and Remediation
While selenium is essential, it can be toxic at high levels. Contamination from mines, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, and agriculture can lead to selenium-laden waters and soils, posing risks to human health and the environment3 5. Various technologies, including bioremediation and adsorption methods, have been developed to treat and control selenium contamination in water and soil3 5.
Conclusion
Selenium is an essential micronutrient with diverse sources, including plants, animals, and the environment. Biofortification of plants and selenium supplementation in animal diets are effective strategies to enhance selenium intake in humans. However, managing selenium levels in the environment is crucial to prevent toxicity. Understanding the sources, bioavailability, and environmental impact of selenium is key to optimizing its benefits for human health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Current Knowledge on Selenium Biofortification to Improve the Nutraceutical Profile of Food: A Comprehensive Review
Selenium biofortification in plants and animals can improve the nutraceutical profile of foods, potentially benefiting human health and promoting secondary metabolite production.
Literature Review
Highly CitedSelenium–Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food
Selenium is an essential micronutrient essential for proper functioning of all organisms, protecting against oxidative stress and promoting human health.
Highly CitedSelenium in soil-microbe-plant systems: Sources, distribution, toxicity, tolerance, and detoxification
This review highlights factors affecting selenium's environmental distribution and behavior, aiding in developing effective control options for selenium in soil, microbes, and plants.
Highly CitedSelenium and nano-selenium in agroecosystems
Nano-selenium particles are a promising tool for enhancing selenium availability in crops, potentially benefiting human health and the environment.
Highly CitedSelenium contaminated waters: An overview of analytical methods, treatment options and recent advances in sorption methods.
Adsorption, using low-cost alternatives like algae and agricultural wastes, shows potential for effective removal of selenium from contaminated waters, benefiting human health and the environment.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedSelenium in Poultry Nutrition: from Sodium Selenite to Organic Selenium Sources
Organic forms of selenium, mainly selenomethionine (SeMet), in poultry diets offer advantages over traditional sodium selenite, including better antioxidant defense and stress resistance.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEffect of different selenium sources on production performance and biochemical parameters of broilers.
Different selenium sources have no significant effect on broiler production performance, but significantly influence broiler oxidation resistance.
RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedDietary sources and levels of selenium supplements affect growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality and tissue selenium deposition in broilers
Nano-selenium and organic sources of selenium improve meat quality and retention in broilers, with nano-selenium showing the highest retention percentage compared to sodium selenite.
Rigorous JournalAbsorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of oral selenium from organic and inorganic sources: A review.
Organic selenium is more bioavailable than inorganic selenium, is distributed throughout the body, and is mainly excreted through urine and feces, with minor contributions from breath, saliva, and hair.
Literature ReviewAn Overview of Selenium Uptake, Metabolism, and Toxicity in Plants
Low doses of selenium protect plants from abiotic stresses and can help overcome se deficiency and toxicity, but excessive selenium intake can cause toxicity.
Highly Cited