Selenium: Essential Trace Element or Toxic Threat? Navigating Its Role in Modern Nutrition

Food Sciences | Review article | https://doi.org/10.47262/SL/13.2.132025240

Aden Iftikhar 1, Iqra Iqbal 2, Rubasha Tarar 3, Mubashra Murtaza 4, Sana Shoukat 5, Muhammad Farooq Iqbal 2*

1 Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

2 Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

3 Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

4 University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

5 Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Selenium is a trace element and a necessary micronutrient for human health. The use of organic selenium as a trace element supplement in microorganisms and plants is becoming more and more popular. The objective of this study is to review the biological functions, molecular mechanisms, nutritional significance, metabolism, supplementation methods, and research needs of selenium in both health and disease across species. In the light of modern knowledge of molecular mechanisms that underlie their pathogenesis, Se-responsive diseases in man and animals, and tracing the discovery history towards selenium being established as an essential nutrient. The role of selenium in dietary sources, nutritional utilization, metabolic processes, and dietary needs of selenium in various species are all critically discussed in this paper. In addition, the function and regulation of Selenium in humans, food animals, and rodents are discussed. In addition to the discoveries of Se metabolites, approaches to enhance Se levels, and the cycling of Se in food systems and ecosystems, the review on the metabolic effects of high intakes of dietary Se in various species would be included. Lastly, the basic science and real-world uses of dietary selenium in food, nutrition, and health across species are supported by the research needs that have been identified.