Producing selenium-enriched eggs and meat to improve the selenium status of the general population

Abstract

The role of selenium (Se) in human health and diseases has been discussed in detail in several recent reviews, with the main conclusion being that selenium deficiency is recognised as a global problem which urgently needs resolution. Since selenium content in plant-based food depends on its availability from soil, the level of this element in food and feeds varies among regions. In general, eggs and meat are considered to be good sources of selenium in human diet. When considering ways to improve human selenium intake, there are several potential options. These include direct supplementation, soil fertilisation and supplementation of food staples such as flour, and production of functional foods. Analysing recent publications related to functional food production, it is evident that selenium-enriched eggs can be used as an important delivery system of this trace mineral for humans. In particular, developments and commercialisation of organic forms of selenium have initiated a new era in the availability of selenium-enriched products. It has been shown that egg selenium content can easily be manipulated to give increased levels, especially when organic selenium is included in hens' diet at levels that provide 0.3-0.5 mg/kg selenium in the feed. As a result, technology for the production of eggs delivering approximately 50% (30-35 microg) of the human selenium RDA have been developed and successfully tested. Currently companies all over the world market selenium-enriched eggs including the UK, Ireland, Mexico, Columbia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Turkey, Russia and the Ukraine. Prices for enriched eggs vary from country to country, typically being similar to free-range eggs. Selenium-enriched chicken, pork and beef can also be produced when using organic selenium in the diet of poultry and farm animals. The scientific, technological and other advantages and limitations of producing designer/modified eggs as functional foods are discussed in this review.

Effect of dietary supplementation with different sources of selenium on growth response, selenium blood levels and meat quality of intensively finished Charolais young bulls

“…As for farm animals, selenium is an essential trace mineral for humans and Se deficiency is still a global problem in many countries requiring specific strategies to produce Serich foods (Fisinin et al, 2009). Beef is a major source of dietary selenium for humans (Zhang et al, 2010) and the result of the present study indicated that the prolonged supplementation with organic Se (Se-Y) is more effective to increase Se concentration in muscle tissue than inorganic Se.…”

Effects of Organic Selenium and Zinc on the Aging Process of Laying Hens

“…Most research has examined the effects of supplementing feed with a single mineral, but little research had examined the effect of supplementing feed with 2 or more minerals. Selenium and zinc are trace minerals that play significant roles in the biochemistry of cellular functions in human and animals [14]. Deficiencies in these minerals can lead to immunological and structural problems of body cells.…”

Selenium (Se), Blood Glutathione Peroxidases and DNA Damage in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis and After Kidney Transplantation - The Effect of Se Supplementation

“…Epidemiological studies suggest that higher Se concentration reduces the risk of cancer (Letavayova et al, 2006) and increases DNA repair capacity in human fibroblasts damaged by H 2 O 2 (Seo et al, 2002). Particular interest came from the clinical studies showing that dietary supply of organic Se, especially in the form of yeast enriched with Se, decreased the overall incidence of cancer twofold, above all of prostate, colorectal and lung cancers (Fisinin et al, 2009). Interesting results concerning the protective effect of Se against oxidative damage to DNA in leukocytes of BRCA1 mutation carriers have recently been presented by Dziaman et al(2009a).…”