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Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health
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Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 April 2025) | Viewed by 12674

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jiaqiang Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: selenium; selenoprotein; health; Se-rich products; antioxidant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to announce a Special Issue of Nutrients on “Selenium-rich Products and Health”. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for both human health and animal nutrition. However, Se deficiency remains a nutritional challenge in some areas of the world and can cause serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, Keshan disease, and cognitive decline. People acquire almost all of their Se intake through food, where, after its uptake, it performs various physiological functions in the body in the form of selenoproteins, which are well known for their redox activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, Se’s assimilation efficiency from the diet depends on its form. Consequently, how to supplement Se more efficiently through the diet remains a critical subject to explore. Se can also promote wound healing in vitro (although not in vivo), which benefits from its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and angiogenic functional activities. Thus, more and more Se-rich products ought to be explored and innovated, alongside both their assimilation efficiency and health benefits.

This Special Issue of Nutrients will contain animal and human research on the production of several innovative Se-rich products, as well as their significance in health and illness, alongside considerations or discussions of genetic and metabolic aspects. We aim to provide new insights into the role of Se in maintaining and promoting health. We also encourage studies investigating Se as an intervention to improve health and the role of novel selenoproteins in health.

Dr. Jiaqiang Huang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • selenium
  • selenium-rich products
  • selenoproteins
  • health
  • disease

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 754 KiB  
Article
Dietary Fatty Acids and Antinuclear Antibodies Among Adults with Arthritis in the United States: NHANES 1999–2004
by Jie Guo, Yifei Yu, Jiaqi Su, Fazheng Ren and Juan Chen
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17060934 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1028
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the link between daily fatty acid intake and antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels, a marker of immune dysregulation and autoimmune diseases, in individuals with self-reported arthritis. Methods: From the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004, [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigated the link between daily fatty acid intake and antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels, a marker of immune dysregulation and autoimmune diseases, in individuals with self-reported arthritis. Methods: From the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004, 829 participants who self-reported arthritis and had autoantibody measurements were selected. Dietary fatty acids were collected via two 24 h dietary recall interviews conducted by trained interviewers. ANA levels were collected by measuring IgG autoantibodies targeting cellular antigens. Results: In a multi-adjusted logistic model, the odds ratio (OR) of the highest tertile of omega-3 intake (with omega-3 intake > 1.60 g/day) for the probability of ANA positivity was 0.43 (95% CI: 0.19–0.96) compared to those in the lowest tertile (≤0.92 g/day). However, we did not observe statistically significant results for other fatty acids. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of dietary omega-3 PUFAs to modulate immune function and lower the risk of ANA positivity in individuals with arthritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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19 pages, 5945 KiB  
Article
The Inhibitory Effects of NCT503 and Exogenous Serine on High-Selenium Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice
by Shuo Zhan, Jianrong Wang, Mingyu Zhu, Yiqun Liu, Feng Han, Licui Sun, Qin Wang and Zhenwu Huang
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020311 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1245
Abstract
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) [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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10 pages, 682 KiB  
Article
Mediation Effect of Oxidative Stress on Association Between Selenium Intake and Cognition in American Adults
by Jia-Meng Li, Ya-Zhi Bai, Quan-Ying Liu and Shuang-Qing Zhang
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4163; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234163 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1360
Abstract
Objectives: Dementia affects millions of aged people globally and mainly results from oxidative stress. Selenium shows beneficial effects on dementia however it remains elusive for the mediation effect of oxidative stress on the association between selenium and cognition. The present study firstly investigated [...] Read more.
Objectives: Dementia affects millions of aged people globally and mainly results from oxidative stress. Selenium shows beneficial effects on dementia however it remains elusive for the mediation effect of oxidative stress on the association between selenium and cognition. The present study firstly investigated the potential mediation role of oxidative stress on the relationship of selenium and cognition. Methods: A total of 2154 adults aged 60 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 were selected for the study. Weighted multivariate linear regression, weighted logistic regression, and mediation effect analysis were employed to investigate the association among selenium intake, cognition, and oxidative stress. Results: Selenium intake was positively associated with cognition, albumin, and vitamin D, negatively associated with uric acid, and exhibited no correlation with gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Cognition was positively correlated with albumin and vitamin D, negatively related to GGT, and had no association with uric acid. Albumin and vitamin D significantly mediated the relationship between selenium intake and cognition, and the mediation proportion values of albumin and vitamin D were 3.85% and 8.02%, respectively. Conclusions: For the first time, our findings demonstrated that higher selenium intake decreased cognitive impairment and oxidative stress levels. Moreover, the relationship between selenium intake and cognition was mediated by oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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20 pages, 3938 KiB  
Article
Nano-Selenium Modulates NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway and Mitochondrial Dynamics to Attenuate Microplastic-Induced Liver Injury
by Qi Shen, Yunjie Liu, Jiakui Li and Donghai Zhou
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3878; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223878 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
Background: Microplastics (PS-MPs) are a new type of pollutant with definite hepatotoxicity. Selenium, on the other hand, has natural, protective effects on the liver. Objectives/Methods: The purpose of this experiment is to find out whether nano-selenium (SeNP) can alleviate liver damage caused by [...] Read more.
Background: Microplastics (PS-MPs) are a new type of pollutant with definite hepatotoxicity. Selenium, on the other hand, has natural, protective effects on the liver. Objectives/Methods: The purpose of this experiment is to find out whether nano-selenium (SeNP) can alleviate liver damage caused by microplastics. Initially, we established through in vitro experiments that SeNP has the ability to enhance the growth of healthy mouse liver cells, while microplastics exhibit a harmful impact on normal mouse hepatocyte cell suspensions, leading to a decrease in cell count. Subsequently, through in vivo experiments on male ICR mice, we ascertained that SeNPs alleviated the detrimental impacts of PS-MPs on mouse liver. Results: SeNPs hinder the signaling pathway of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles, which is crucial for reducing inflammation induced by PS-MPs. In terms of their mechanism, SeNPs hinder the abnormalities in mitochondrial fission, biogenesis, and fusion caused by PS-MPs and additionally enhance mitochondrial respiration. This enhancement is crucial in averting disorders in energy metabolism and inflammation. Conclusions: To summarize, the use of SeNPs hindered inflammation by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, thus relieving liver damage caused by PS-MPs in mice. The anticipated outcomes offer new research directions that can be referenced in terms of inflammatory injuries caused by PS-MPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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11 pages, 2693 KiB  
Article
Erythrocyte Selenium as a Potential Key Indicator for Selenium Supplementation in Low-Selenium Populations: A Selenium Supplementation Study Based on Wistar Rats
by Cunqi Lv, Ruixiang Wang, Qingyu Zeng, Chen Feng, Guijin Li, Shuxiu Hao, Jiacheng Li, Cheng Wang, Huixin Sun, Linlin Du, Yu Zhang, Xinshu Wang, Tong Wang and Qi Li
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3797; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223797 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1360
Abstract
Background: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for maintaining human health, with significant antioxidant and immunoregulatory functions. Inadequate Se intake may be associated with Keshan disease, Kashin–Beck disease, and hypothyroidism. However, effective indicators for scientifically guiding Se supplementation in Se-deficient populations are [...] Read more.
Background: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for maintaining human health, with significant antioxidant and immunoregulatory functions. Inadequate Se intake may be associated with Keshan disease, Kashin–Beck disease, and hypothyroidism. However, effective indicators for scientifically guiding Se supplementation in Se-deficient populations are still lacking. Objectives: This study aims to explore the dynamic distribution of Se across various nutritional biomarkers and major organs in rats through a Se supplementation experiment, as well as the pairwise correlations between them, in order to identify reliable nutritional indicators for evaluating Se levels in the body. Methods: Se levels in hair, blood, and major tissues and organs were determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured using an ELISA. Results: Se supplementation significantly increased Se levels in rat blood, hair, and major organs, as well as GSH-Px levels in blood. Se primarily accumulated in the liver and kidneys, followed by myocardium, spleen, and muscles. Serum and plasma Se were found to be the best indicators of short-term Se intake, while erythrocyte Se levels showed a stronger correlation with Se levels in tissues and organs, making it a better marker for assessing long-term Se nutritional status compared to hair Se. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of erythrocyte Se levels as an indicator for evaluating long-term Se nutritional status, providing scientific evidence for Se nutritional assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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15 pages, 3338 KiB  
Article
Alleviation of Lipid Disorder and Liver Damage in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Selenium-Enriched Cardamine violifolia with Cadmium Accumulation
by Junying Zhu, Qingqing Lv, Fengna Li, Ping Xu, Ziyu Han, Aolin Yang, Zhan Shi, Chao Wang, Jie Jiang, Yunfen Zhu, Xiaofei Chen, Lvhui Sun, Xin Gen Lei and Ji-Chang Zhou
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183208 - 22 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2244
Abstract
Background/Objectives: As a hyperaccumulator of selenium (Se), Cardamine violifolia (Cv) and its peptide extract could ameliorate the negative effects of a high-fat diet (HFD). However, the effects of the coaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in Se-enriched Cv (Cv2) and the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: As a hyperaccumulator of selenium (Se), Cardamine violifolia (Cv) and its peptide extract could ameliorate the negative effects of a high-fat diet (HFD). However, the effects of the coaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in Se-enriched Cv (Cv2) and the potential confounding effect on the roles of enriched Se remain unknown. We aimed to investigate whether Cv2 could alleviate HFD-induced lipid disorder and liver damage. Methods: Three groups of 31-week-old female mice were fed for 41 weeks (n = 10–12) with a control Cv-supplemented diet (Cv1D, 0.15 mg Se/kg, 30 µg Cd/kg, and 10% fat calories), a control Cv-supplemented HFD (Cv1HFD, 45% fat calories), and a Cv2-supplemented HFD (Cv2HFD, 1.5 mg Se/kg, 0.29 mg Cd/kg, and 45% fat calories). Liver and serum were collected to determine the element concentrations, markers of liver injury and lipid disorder, and mRNA and/or protein expression of lipid metabolism factors, heavy metal detoxification factors, and selenoproteins. Results: Both Cv1HFD and Cv2HFD induced obesity, and Cv2HFD downregulated Selenoi and upregulated Dio3 compared with Cv1D. When comparing Cv2HFD against Cv1HFD, Cv2 increased the liver Se and Cd, the protein abundance of Selenoh, and the mRNA abundance of 10 selenoproteins; reduced the serum TG, TC, and AST; reduced the liver TG, lipid droplets, malondialdehyde, and mRNA abundance of Mtf1 and Mt2; and differentially regulated the mRNA levels of lipid metabolism factors. Conclusions: Cv2 alleviated HFD-induced lipid dysregulation and liver damage, which was probably associated with its unique Se speciation. However, further research is needed to explore the interaction of plant-coenriched Se and Cd and its effects on health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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19 pages, 558 KiB  
Review
Selenium and Skeletal Muscle Health in Sports Nutrition
by Qi Wang, Jiaqiang Huang, Kongdi Zhu and Wei Zuo
Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111902 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 944
Abstract
Selenium is a trace element of fundamental importance to human health. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been carried out in the field of skeletal muscle health and sports nutrition. Selenium functions in the human body through selenoproteins. Selenoproteins play [...] Read more.
Selenium is a trace element of fundamental importance to human health. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been carried out in the field of skeletal muscle health and sports nutrition. Selenium functions in the human body through selenoproteins. Selenoproteins play an important role in maintaining skeletal muscle function by delaying exercise fatigue and muscle aging. They mainly regulate skeletal muscle by anti-oxidation, regulating signal pathways, and affecting protein metabolism. In this paper, we summarize the latest advancements in research regarding selenium and its impact on skeletal muscle health, along with its applications in sports nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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14 pages, 915 KiB  
Review
Effect of Selenium and Selenoproteins on Radiation Resistance
by Shidi Zhang, Guowei Zhang, Pengjie Wang, Lianshun Wang, Bing Fang and Jiaqiang Huang
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2902; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172902 - 30 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2034
Abstract
With the advancement of radiological medicine and nuclear industry technology, radiation is increasingly used to diagnose human health disorders. However, large-scale nuclear leakage has heightened concerns about the impact on human organs and tissues. Selenium is an essential trace element that functions in [...] Read more.
With the advancement of radiological medicine and nuclear industry technology, radiation is increasingly used to diagnose human health disorders. However, large-scale nuclear leakage has heightened concerns about the impact on human organs and tissues. Selenium is an essential trace element that functions in the body mainly in the form of selenoproteins. Selenium and selenoproteins can protect against radiation by stimulating antioxidant actions, DNA repair functions, and immune enhancement. While studies on reducing radiation through antioxidants have been conducted for many years, the underlying mechanisms of selenium and selenoproteins as significant antioxidants in radiation damage mitigation remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this paper aims to provide new insights into developing safe and effective radiation protection agents by summarizing the anti-radiation mechanism of selenium and selenoproteins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium-Rich Products: Their Development and Regulation of Human Health)
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