Search Results (396)

Selenium plays an indispensable role in antioxidant defense through its incorporation into selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase. In the context of trauma and critical illness, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress frequently deplete selenium reserves, compromising the body’s antioxidant defenses. This deficiency exacerbates immune dysfunction, elevates the risk of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, and increases susceptibility to infections and mortality. Observational studies have consistently shown that lower selenium levels correlate with poorer clinical outcomes, such as extended stays in intensive care units and higher mortality rates. Supplementation of selenium has demonstrated promise in restoring GPx activity, reducing oxidative stress markers, and supporting recovery, particularly in patients with pre-existing selenium deficiency. While the impact on mortality remains variable across clinical trials, early and targeted supplementation appears to be beneficial, especially when combined with other micronutrients like vitamins C and E or zinc. These combinations enhance the antioxidant response and tackle the complex oxidative pathways in critically ill and trauma patients. Importantly, the clinical benefits of selenium supplementation appear to be influenced by baseline selenium status, with patients exhibiting severe deficiency deriving the most pronounced improvements in oxidative stress markers, immune function, and recovery. This review highlights the critical importance of addressing selenium deficiency, advocating for personalized therapeutic strategies. However, further large-scale studies are essential to optimize dosing regimens, refine combination therapies, and validate selenium’s therapeutic potential in trauma and critical care settings. Full article

Micronutrient deficiency (hidden hunger) is one of the serious health problems globally, often due to diets dominated by staple foods. Genetic biofortification of a staple like wheat has surfaced as a promising, cost-efficient, and sustainable strategy. Significant genetic diversity exists in wheat and its wild relatives, but the nutritional profile in commercial wheat varieties has inadvertently declined over time, striving for better yield and disease resistance. Substantial efforts have been made to biofortify wheat using conventional and molecular breeding. QTL and genome-wide association studies were conducted, and some of the identified QTLs/marker-trait association (MTAs) for grain micronutrients like Fe have been exploited by MAS. The genetic mechanisms of micronutrient uptake, transport, and storage have also been investigated. Although wheat biofortified varieties are now commercially cultivated in selected regions worldwide, further improvements are needed. This review provides an overview of wheat biofortification, covering breeding efforts, nutritional evaluation methods, nutrient assimilation and bioavailability, and microbial involvement in wheat grain enrichment. Emerging technologies such as non-destructive hyperspectral imaging (HSI)/red, green, and blue (RGB) phenotyping; multi-omics integration; CRISPR-Cas9 alongside genomic selection; and microbial genetics hold promise for advancing biofortification. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, yet its deficiency remains a global concern. This study investigates the biofortification of alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. ProINTA Super Monarca GR9) via foliar Se application to enhance Se accumulation and transformation into bioavailable organic forms. A controlled environment experiment in a plant growth chamber and a one-season open-field trial (January 2023, Argentina) were conducted. Treatments included sodium selenate (Se(VI)), sodium selenite (Se(IV)), and a 1:1 mixture, applied at 45 and 90 g Se ha⁻¹, with and without the biostimulant BIOFORGE^®. Treated plants exhibited increased Se content, correlating with the applied doses. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed that most inorganic Se was transformed into organic Se forms, with Se(IV) treatments yielding the highest concentrations of organic Se species such as selenocysteine (SeCys) and selenomethionine (SeMet). Open-field trials showed a complete conversion of Se, though total Se accumulation was lower than in controlled conditions. Se treatments did not affect forage quality or biomass production. The biostimulant slightly reduced Se uptake but did not compromise biofortification. These results highlight Se(IV) as the optimal treatment for alfalfa biofortification, presenting a sustainable strategy to enhance dietary Se intake through functional foods. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element for children, playing a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including antioxidant defense, immune regulation, thyroid function, and bone metabolism. Emerging evidence highlights its potential impact on child development and growth while also underscoring the complexity of its mechanisms and the global variations in Se intake. The aim of this review is to comprehensively elucidate the significance of Se in various biological processes within the human body, with a focus on its role in child development and growth; its biochemical effects on the nervous system, thyroid function, immune system, and bone tissue; and the implications of Se deficiency and toxicity. This review integrates findings from experimental models, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials to explore Se’s role in neurodevelopment, growth regulation, and immune competence in children. Selenoproteins, which regulate oxidative stress and thyroid hormone and bone metabolism, are essential for normal growth and cognitive development in children. Se deficiency and toxicity has been linked to impaired immune function, growth retardation, and decreased immune function. The findings underscore Se’s influence on various biological pathways that are critical for healthy child development and its broader importance for child health. Public health strategies aimed at optimizing selenium intake may play a pivotal role in improving pediatric health outcomes worldwide. Full article

Background/Objectives: A healthy diet in early childhood has been shown to be one of the essential mainstays for the development of children. Few studies have been conducted on preschool canteens, despite the fact that they play a crucial role. Our study aimed to assess the dietary and nutritional quality of the menus served in Spanish Defense Ministry preschool education centers (1–3 years old) and to ascertain their compliance with dietary and nutritional recommendations. We also evaluated the influence of the canteen management model. Methods: Our cross-sectional observational study was carried out on the 448 menus offered in the 25 centers (operating under two management models: direct and contracted) of the Spanish Ministry of Defense during a school year all across the Spanish territory. Results: Under the contracted management model, the frequency of rice was low, as well as that of salads, eggs, fish, and fruit. The rotation within the fish group did not comply with recommendations, showing a shortage of oily fish. The menus’ energy values were correct, but the energy profile in the contracted management menus was higher than recommended in protein and fat while being lower in carbohydrates. The lipid profile was adequate. Values were high in cholesterol, simple sugars, fiber, vitamin K, selenium, potassium, and sodium; they were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine, and zinc. Conclusions: These results could help to establish special references or limits for the Spanish preschool population. Full article

Selenium-enriched vegetables are a safe way to combat selenium deficiency in humans. Here, a new microbial selenium-enriched bacterial fertilizer (named “HJ”) was prepared and studied by dipping, and then its application strategy was optimized and compared with other commercially available selenium fertilizers. The results showed that the application of HJ selenium fertilizer to peas by soaking (Se concentration 10 μg/mL) and foliar application (Se concentration 8 μg/mL) could effectively enhance their growth, selenium enrichment ability, stress tolerance and nutritional quality. In particular, the selenium content of peas in the HJ-treated group exhibited a significant increase of 69.86% in comparison with the control group. Moreover, HJ treated pea sprouts demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, as well as elevated levels of vitamin C and protein, amongst other observations. The findings of this study offer novel insights into the development of eco-friendly selenium fertilizers and provide guidance for optimal fertilizer application techniques. Full article

Background/Objectives: In chronic kidney disease (CKD), poor nutrition is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. There are limited data on milder stages of childhood CKD. Methods: This study characterised the nutritional state of a cohort of children with CKD. Results: Within the cohort (mean age 10.5 years, mean eGFR = 57 mL/min/1.73 m²), obesity defined by body mass index rates was comparable to that in the general population, but central obesity (waist-to-height ratio > 0.5) was evident in 44% of children. Although average nutrient intakes for the cohort were acceptable, there was marked variability in the risk of poor nutrient intake (<LRNI): selenium (35%), magnesium (35%), iodine (30%), and zinc (30%). No child met the recommended dietary fibre intake. The prevalence of frank deficiency of vitamins and minerals in blood concentrations was low. Blood concentrations of vitamins A and E were near-universally elevated. In those who had a decline in kidney function at the 12-month follow-up, dietary intake of fibre correlated with the degree of decline. Conclusions: Much work is needed to optimise the nutritional status of children with CKD as an important modifiable risk factor for disease progression and other important outcomes. Full article

Minerals are essential nutrients that play critical roles in human health by regulating various physiological functions. Examples include bone development, enzyme function, nerve signaling, and the immune response. Both the deficiencies and toxicities of minerals can have significant health implications. Deficiencies in macrominerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphate can lead to osteoporosis (associated with falls and fractures), cardiovascular events, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Trace mineral deficiencies, such as iron and zinc. Selenium deficiency impairs oxygen transport, immune function, and antioxidant defenses, contributing to anemia, delaying wound healing, and increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Conversely, excessive intake of minerals can have severe health consequences. Hypercalcemia can cause kidney stones and cardiac arrhythmias as well as soft-tissue calcification, whereas excessive iron deposition can lead to oxidative stress and organ/tissue damage. Maintaining adequate mineral levels through a balanced diet, guided supplementation, and monitoring at-risk populations is essential for good health and preventing disorders related to deficiencies and toxicities. Public health interventions and education about dietary sources of minerals are critical for minimizing health risks and ensuring optimal well-being across populations. While a comprehensive analysis of all macro and micronutrients is beyond the scope of this article, we have chosen to focus on calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. We summarize the consequences of deficiency and the adverse events associated with the overconsumption of other minerals. Full article

Selenate, the most common form of selenium (Se) in soil environments, is beneficial for higher plants. Selenate is similar to sulfate in terms of the structure and the manner of assimilation by plants, which involves the reduction of selenate to selenide and the replacement of an S moiety in the organic compounds such as amino acids. The nonspecific incorporation of seleno-amino acids into proteins induce Se toxicity in plants. Selenate alters the plant metabolism, particularly the S metabolism, which is comparable to the responses to S deficiency (−S). However, previous analyses involved high concentrations of selenate, and the effects of lower selenate doses have not been elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the metabolic changes induced by selenate treatment through a non-targeted metabolome analysis and found that 2 µM of selenate decreased the S assimilates and amino acids, and increased the flavonoids, while the glutathione levels were maintained. The results suggest that the decrease in amino acid levels, which is not detected under −S, along with the disruptions in S assimilation, amino acid biosynthesis pathways, and the energy metabolism, present the primary metabolic influences of selenate. These results suggest that selenate targets the energy metabolism and S assimilation first, and induces oxidative stress mitigation, represented by flavonoid accumulation, as a key adaptive response, providing a novel, possible mechanism in plant stress adaptation. Full article

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a pivotal role in influencing both maternal and fetal health, impacting neonatal anthropometric outcomes and long-term disease susceptibility. An advanced maternal age (AMA ≥ 35 years) has been linked to increased risks of obstetric complications and adverse neonatal outcomes, yet its specific nutritional profile remains underexplored. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient and polyphenol intakes of women at an AMA compared to those of a younger control group and to investigate associations with neonatal anthropometric measures. Methods: A cohort of 200 pregnant women, stratified into AMA and control groups, completed a food frequency questionnaire during the second trimester. Neonatal anthropometric data were collected at delivery. Results: Intakes of fiber, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamins E, B1, B3 and folate were lower in the AMA group in comparison with the control values. Negative correlations were found between fiber, vitamin A and vitamin E and the head circumference of the newborn, with fiber being identified as a potential predictor of this parameter. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, such as the fact that the FFQ was completed only once during pregnancy and the cross-sectional design of the study, the findings highlight notable nutritional deficiencies among AMA women, which may influence neonatal outcomes such as head circumference. These results underscore the need for nutritional guidelines and supplementation strategies tailored to pregnant women over 35 years of age. Full article

Objective: This study aims to identify whether the development of insulin resistance (IR) induced by high selenium (Se) is related to serine deficiency via the inhibition of the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP) by the administrations of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) inhibitor (NCT503) or exogenous serine in mice. Method: forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: adequate-Se (0.1 mgSe/kg), high-Se (0.8 mgSe/kg), high-Se +serine (240 mg/kg/day), and high-Se +NCT503 (30 mg/kg, twice a week) for 5 months. The glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were used to confirm the development of IR in mice with high-Se intake, and fasting blood glucose levels were measured monthly. The Se contents in plasma and tissues were detected by ICP-MS. The levels of insulin (INS), homocysteine (HCY), and serine in plasma were tested by ELISA. Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), selenoprotein P (SELENOP) and PHGDH, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, folate cycle (SHMT1, MTHFR), and methionine cycle (MS). Results: An IR model was developed in mice from the high-Se group with elevated fasting blood glucose and INS levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and reduced insulin sensitivity, but not in both the high-Se +serine group and the high-Se +NCT503 group. Compared with the high-Se and high-Se +serine groups, the expressions of GPX1 and SELENOP significantly decreased for the high-Se +NCT503 group in the liver, muscle, and pancreas tissues. The expression of PHGDH of high-Se group was significantly higher than that of the adequate-Se group in the liver (p < 0.05) and pancreas (p < 0.001). Also, the expected high expression of PHGDH was effectively inhibited in mice from the high-Se +serine group but not from the high-Se +NCT503 group. The expression of p-AKT (Ser-473) for the high-Se group was significantly lower than that of the adequate-Se group in the liver, muscle, and pancreas. Conclusions: The IR induced by high-Se intake in the body has been confirmed to be partially due to serine deficiency, which led to the initiation of SSP to produce endogenous serine. The supplementations of exogenous serine or inhibitors of PHGDH in this metabolic pathway could be used for the intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is closely associated with increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Coenzyme Q (CoQ) and selenium (Se) are well-established antioxidants with protective effects against oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CoQ and Se in ameliorating MASH induced by a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet in mice. Methods: C57BL/6J male mice were fed either a methionine choline-sufficient (MCS) or MCD diet and treated with vehicle, CoQ (100 mg/kg), Se (158 μg/kg), or their combination (CoQ + Se) for 4 weeks. Results: The MCD diet significantly increased hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis compared to MCS controls. Treatment with CoQ and Se, particularly in combination, markedly reduced the MAFLD activity score, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Combined supplementation of CoQ and Se significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and hepatic TG and cholesterol concentrations. CoQ and Se effectively mitigated hepatic oxidative stress by enhancing catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, and restoring the GSH/GSSG ratio. Lipid peroxidation markers, such as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal, were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the expression of ferroptosis-related markers, including acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, and hepatic non-heme iron content, was significantly downregulated, while GPX4 expression was upregulated by combined CoQ and Se treatment. Conclusions: CoQ and Se synergistically alleviate MASH progression by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which may contribute to the suppression of ferroptosis. Combined CoQ and Se supplementation demonstrates therapeutic potential for managing MASH and related liver injury. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise in chronic metabolic diseases has led to the exploration of alternative diets. The carnivore diet, consisting exclusively of animal products, has gained attention, anecdotally, for imparting benefit for inflammatory conditions beyond that possible by other restrictive dietary approaches. The aim was to assess the micronutrient adequacy of four versions of the carnivore diet against national nutrient reference values (NRVs). Methods: This study assessed the nutrient adequacy of the carnivore diet against national NRVs from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and New Zealand Ministry of Health. Four meal plans for hypothetical average Australian adults were developed and analysed using Foodworks.online (Version 1, Xyris Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia, 2024), dietary software. Two female and two male plans were included; one set including dairy products and the other set including offal. Results: The carnivore diet met several NRV thresholds for nutrients such as riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, selenium, and Vitamin A, and exceeded the sodium threshold. However, it fell short in thiamin, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C, and in iron, folate, iodine and potassium in some cases. Fibre intake was significantly below recommended levels. Conclusion: The carnivore diet may offer benefits for managing certain chronic conditions. Whether the metabolic contexts from consuming such a diet facilitates a lower requirement of certain nutrients, or whether it poses risks of micronutrient inadequacies remains to be determined. Tailored nutritional guidance and supplementation strategies are recommended to ensure careful consideration of micronutrient intake to prevent deficiencies. Full article

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common and play a significant role in the prognosis of many chronic diseases, including heart failure (HF), but their prevalence in HF is not well known. As studies have traditionally focused on causes originating within the intestines, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) has been overlooked as a potential contributor. The exocrine pancreas enables the absorption of various (fat-soluble) micronutrients and may be insufficient in HF. We hypothesize that EPI contributes to micronutrient deficiencies in HF. Objectives: To evaluate micronutrient concentrations in HF cases and their association with clinical characteristics and EPI. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples from 59 consecutive hospitalized patients with HF were analyzed for vitamins A, D, and E and the minerals selenium and zinc. EPI was defined as fecal elastase 1 level < 206 μg/g. Results: The mean age of patients was 59 ± 14 years, with 24 (41%) being women, and a median NT-proBNP concentration of 3726 [2104–6704] pg/mL was noted. Vitamin A deficiency occurred in eight (14%) of the patients, and 12 (20%) exceeded the upper limit. More than half (51%) were vitamin D-deficient. No patients showed vitamin E deficiency, but 14 (24%) had elevated levels. Selenium deficiency was common, affecting 36 (61%) patients, while zinc was below the normal range in seven patients (12%). Micronutrient levels did not differ significantly based on the presence of EPI. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into the micronutrient status of patients with HF. Deficiencies in vitamins A and D, selenium, and zinc are prevalent in HF, but these findings are not associated with exocrine pancreatic function. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is crucial for human health. As a key component of various enzymes and proteins, selenium primarily exerts its biological functions in the form of selenoproteins within the body. Currently, over 30 types of selenoproteins have been identified, with more than 20 of them containing selenocysteine residues. Among these, glutathione peroxidases (GPXs), thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs), and iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs) have been widely studied. Selenium boasts numerous biological functions, including antioxidant properties, immune system enhancement, thyroid function regulation, anti-cancer effects, cardiovascular protection, reproductive capability improvement, and anti-inflammatory activity. Despite its critical importance to human health, the range between selenium’s nutritional and toxic doses is very narrow. Insufficient daily selenium intake can lead to selenium deficiency, while excessive intake carries the risk of selenium toxicity. Therefore, selenium intake must be controlled within a relatively precise range. This article reviews the distribution and intake of selenium, as well as its absorption and metabolism mechanisms in the human body. It also explores the multiple biological functions and mechanisms of selenium in maintaining human health. The aim is to provide new insights and evidence for further elucidating the role of selenium and selenoproteins in health maintenance, as well as for future nutritional guidelines and public health policies. Full article