Impact of Selenium Addition to Animal Feeds on Human Selenium Status in Serbia

Abstract

Research conducted during the 1980s demonstrated Se deficiency in humans. Increased inclusion of selenium in animal feeds started from the year 2000 onwards. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of selenium inclusion in animal feeds on human selenium status and dietary habits of the Serbian population related to food of animal origin. Plasma selenium concentration in healthy adult volunteers, including residents of one of the regions with the lowest (Eastern Serbia, n = 60) and of one of the regions with the highest Se serum levels reported in the past (Belgrade, n = 82), was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate analysis was employed to determine the correlation between Se plasma levels and dietary intake data derived from food frequency questionnaires and laboratory tests. The mean plasma Se level of the participants was 84.3 ± 15.9 μg/L (range: 47.3–132.1 μg/L), while 46% of participants had plasma Se levels lower than 80 μg/L. Frequency of meat, egg, and fish consumption was significantly correlated with plasma selenium level (r = 0.437, p = 0.000). Selenium addition to animal feed in the quantity of 0.14 mg/kg contributed to the improvement of human plasma selenium levels by approximately 30 μg/L.

Association of Vitamin D, Zinc and Selenium Related Genetic Variants With COVID-19 Disease Severity

“…Serbia, like much of Europe and the world, faces micronutrient deficiency/insufficiency which is in part influenced by genetic variability. The prevalence of suboptimal levels of vitamin D and selenium in Serbian population is estimated to be around 50% (32,33), while zinc insufficiency is around 7% (12). Bearing in mind that even a mild insufficiency of these micronutrients can cause suboptimal immune function, implications for COVID-19 pandemic can be formidable.…”

Selenium–Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food

“…Due to the widespread deficiency of selenium in humans, the need for supplementation of this element calls attention. Introduction of this element into the human body can occur indirectly, through the addition of selenium to fertilizers or fodder used to feed animals [85,86]. Among direct supplementation methods, we can include the use of food supplements containing vitamins and micronutrients [31].…”

“…A country that introduced selenium supplementation due to a low concentration of selenium in the environment and too low supplementation of this element in the diet of people was Finland [85,86,87]. Effects of selenium supplementation can be observed after a few weeks.…”

Selenium Content in Spelt, Buckwheat, and Vegetable Pasta

“…Селен относится к микроэлементам, которые определяются в микродозах в составе селенопротеинов всех организмов. Селен участвует в работе антиоксидантной системы и обладает иммуномодулирующим действием [7][8][9][20][21][22]. В организме человека селен входит в состав порядка 30 биологически активных соединений (ферменты антиоксидантной системы, гормоны, липиды), участвует в метаболизме нуклеиновых кислот и регуляции действия тиреоидных гормонов [7][8][9].…”