A systematic review and meta-analysis of validated analytical techniques for the determination of total selenium in foods and beverages

The intricate balance between the beneficial and harmful effects of selenium (Se) intake means that its quantification in food needs to be done correctly. Therefore, in this review, we systematized 105 articles to identify the most studied methodologies, analytical techniques, and food matrices. Among the analytical techniques employed, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (n = 29) emerged as the most commonly used method. The most prevalent hydrolysis methodology to digest Se in food matrices involved the use of nitric acid combined with ultrasound, which improved both the yield and digestion time. Optimal recovery values were achieved when total Se quantification accounted for the sum of Se(IV) and Se(VI) (94.4-99.4%) and for SeCys (88-96.5%). These findings are relevant for advancing methodological approaches, and their results emphasize the importance of developing alternative, faster, and lower-cost protocols for Se quantification in foods and beverages.