Selenium transformation and selenium-rich foods

Selenium is an essential trace element that is involved in the synthesis of various selenoproteins in higher animals including humans. Twenty five selenoproteins have been identified in humans. These selenoproteins have various physiological functions. Organic selenium is safer than inorganic selenium and can be used as a nutritional supplement for people who live in selenium-deficient areas. Supera-nutritional intake of selenium has been claimed to prevent cancer, however, consistent clinical results are lacking. At this time, the use of selenium-rich foods by those in selenium-deficient areas might be the safest and best recommendation. This is a brief overview of the requirements for selenium, the selenium enrichment process in plants and animals, and the preparation of typical selenium-rich foods so as to provide some help for the application and development of selenium fortified products.