Selenium and selenoproteins, from structure, function to food resource and nutrition

Abstract

Selenium, is an essential trace nutrient in the human diet. The health promoting properties of selenium and its compounds are due to its unique mechanism of incorporation into selenoproteins in which selenium is present as selenocysteine. This review presents the nutritional benefits of selenium by listing and linking selenoprotein function to evidence of health benefits. The classification, function, absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability of selenium and selenoprotein are elaborated. Particularly, the resource and nutrition of several common and selenium-enriched foods are discussed herein. Moreover, the future outlook of selenium and selenoproteins involved in selenium supplementation and food nutrition is also elucidated.