F

An update on the nutritional biochemistry of

Selenium

and recent developments in Se bioavailability

by W.L. Bryden, D.D. Moore and S. Shini, School of Agriculture and

Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia

elenium exists in four oxidation states:

elemental Se (Se0), selenide (Se2),
selenite (Se+4), and selenate (Se+6) in a
variety of inorganic and organic matrices.
The natural inorganic forms, selenite and
selenate, account for the majority of total
global selenium.
Organically bound selenide compounds
are predominantly seleno-amino acids; the
principle chemical form of Se in animal tissues is selenocysteine,
while selenomethionine predominates in plants.
The chemistry of selenium resembles that of sulphur in several
respects but these elements are not completely interchangeable in
animal systems.
Both, sulphur and Se occur in proteins as constituents of amino
acids. Sulphur is one of the most prevalent elements in the body
and is present in the sulphur-containing amino acids: methionine,
cysteine, homocysteine and taurine. Selenium is a trace element
and a component of the amino acids selenocysteine and
selenomethionine. Selenocysteine is considered the 21st amino
acid in terms of ribosome-mediated protein synthesis.
Selenocysteine is identical to cysteine except that sulphur is replaced
by a Se atom, which is typically ionized at physiological pH.
The presence of selenocysteine in the catalytic site of
Se-dependent antioxidant enzymes enhances their kinetic
properties and broadens the catalytic activity of the enzymes
against biological oxidants when compared with sulphurcontaining species. Selenocysteine (from animal tissues) and
selenomethionine (from plants) are both sources of selenium for
synthesis of SePs.
Replacement of selenocysteine by cysteine in a selenoprotein
usually results in a dramatic decrease of enzymatic activity,
confirming that the ionized selenium atom is critical for optimum
protein function.

Biosynthesis pathway

Significantly, within all cell types there is a specific biosynthesis

pathway that facilitates selenocysteine synthesis and its
subsequent incorporation into SePs Cellular Se concentrations
are therefore tightly regulated. The regulation of selenoprotein
synthesis is central to understanding Se homeostasis and
disorders following the failure of homeostasis.
Cellular Se concentration is a key regulator of its incorporation
into SePs and acts mainly at the post-transcriptional level in
response to alterations in Se bioavailability. Selenocysteine
biosynthesis represents the main regulatory point for
selenoprotein synthesis and not absorption as occurs with many
nutrients.
The biochemistry of Se is different from most other trace
38 | Milling and Grain

A brief history of Selenium

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for
animals and humans. It was discovered in 1818
and named Selene after the Greek goddess of
the moon.
Selenium exerts its biological effects as an
integral component of selenoproteins (SePs)
that contain selenocysteine at their active site.
Some 30 SePs, mostly enzymes, have been
identified, including a series of glutathione
peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases and
iodothyronine deiodinases.
The majority play important roles in redox
regulation, detoxification, immunity and
viral suppression. Deficiency or low selenium
status leads to marked changes in many
biochemical pathways and a range of
pathologies associated with defects of
selenoprotein function may occur.
Selenium content of soils can vary widely.
In areas where soils are low in bioavailable
Se, deficiencies can occur in humans and
animals consuming plant-based foods grown
in those soils.
Selenium deficiency have been reported in
many countries including China, Japan, Korea,
and Siberia, Northern Europe, USA, Canada,
New Zealand and Australia. Within each
country there are large regional differences in
soil Se status and in some localities there are
plants that accumulate Se resulting in selenosis
or Se toxicity to grazing animals.
Dietary Se supplementation was first
permitted some 40 years ago.
Since then, there has significant advances
in our knowledge of Se metabolism and
the important role that Se plays in animal
productivity and health.
During this period, Se has become an
important addition to dietary supplements for
animals.

elements as it is incorporated in proteins (SePs) at their highest

level of complexity and function. Selenoproteins incorporate
selenium only in the form of selenocysteine and this occurs
during translation in the ribosome using a transfer RNA specific
for selenocysteine.
Seleno-amino acids (selenocysteine or selenocystine and

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Figure 1: General pathways (A) of selenium absorption, hepatic

synthesis of selenoprotein P and distribution to various organs.
Graphical representation (B) of the optimal range of selenium
required to avoid various human clinical conditions (Adapted
from Kumar and Priyadarsini, 2014)

selenomethionine) are required for the synthesis of seleniumcontaining peptides and proteins.
Importantly, selenomethionine (the major dietary organic
form of Se) that is biochemically equivalent to methionine,
is not incorporated into selenoproteins and therefore, is not a
participant in the regulation of selenium homeostasis. There are
no known human or animal functionally active SePs that contain
selenomethionine.
Only proteins that are genetically programmed and perform
essential biological functions are classified as SePs. Some of
these SePs are enzymes such as the six antioxidant glutathione
peroxidases and the three thioredoxin reductases; the three
deiodinases are involved in thyroid function by catalysing the
activation and deactivation of the thyroid hormones.
Some SePs have direct roles in modulating immunity and
reproductive function, while other SePs facilitate tissue
distribution and transfer of Se.
Selenoprotein P, for example, functions as a transporter of
selenium between the liver and other organs. The functional
characterisation of many SePs remains to be delineated.

Absorption, distribution and metabolic rate

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An overview of the metabolism of Se is shown in Figure 1.

Absorption of selenium occurs in the small intestine, where
both inorganic and organic forms of Se are readily absorbed.
Selenite is passively absorbed across the gut wall, while
selenate appears to be transported by a sodium-mediated carrier
mechanism shared with sulphur.
Organic forms of Se are actively transported. The absorption
of selenomethionine is via the same carrier transport protein as
methionine, with competition taking place between methionine
and its seleno analog. Selenium is distributed throughout the body
from the liver to the brain, pancreas and kidneys.
The highest Se concentrations are found in the liver and kidneys
but the greatest total concentration occurs in muscle because of
their proportion of body weight. Selenium is transported by two
SePs; selenoprotein P and extracellular glutathione peroxidase
(GSH-Px).
Other transport mechanisms have been postulated but not
delineated. Only insignificant transitory amounts of free
selenomethionine are found in blood. Following protein turnover,
the released Se, can be recycled via enterohepatic circulation or
excreted. Selenium is eliminated primarily in urine and faeces.
The distribution between the two routes varies with the level of

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April 2015 | 39
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exposure and time after exposure.
Table 1: Selenium compounds and their uses in animals and humans
In ruminants, selenite is the primary
Name and content
Nature or origin
Uses
compound available for absorption
because the reducing conditions within
For short-term selenium
Sodium Selenate
supplementation;
the rumen convert the majority of
Sodium Selenite
Synthetic Inorganic
orally in the diet, or by injections
Selenase 50 mcg/mL
selenate to selenite.
for both animals and humans
In the rumen, about a third of selenite
Biosel
Natural Inorganic
For long-term selenium
50 mcg/drop
supplementation in humans
is converted to insoluble forms that
are passed into manure. Of the soluble
Inactive dry yeast containing
Sintomin BIOSEL 2000
high levels of organic
All animals
selenite that reaches the intestine, some
selenium
40% will be absorbed, compared to
Selyeast
Yeast rich in organic selenium
For use as animal feed.
about 80 percent of selenomthionine.
Selenomethionine: 1000, 2000, 3000
As a consequence of these differences,
Selemax (1000, 2000)
Inactive dry yeast containing
in cows, the digestibility of Se from
All animal species and categories
70 % of total selenium in the form of
organic selenium
selenomethionine
selenite is around 50 percent compared
SeLECT
to about 66 percent for seleniumOrganic, pure
Oral administration (capsules)
L(+) Selenomethionine &
selenomethionine,
humans
yeast. There is no information on the
Vitamin E
impact of the gut microbiota on the Se
Sel Plex TM
requirements of monogastric animals.
>50% of total selenium in the form of
Yeast rich in organic selenium
All animals
selenomethionine
Inorganic Se is recognised by the
AB Tor-Sel
digestive tissues and is absorbed and
Yeast rich in organic selenium
All animals and humans
selenohomolanthionine
converted into SePs.
Naturally occurring
In contrast, organic Se
Predominate form of selenium
L-Selenomethionine
organoselenium compound
supplement in food for humans;
(selenomethionine) is not recognized
100% L-selenomethionine
made by plants
some use in animals
as Se-containing by mammalian cells.
Naturally occurring
As a consequence, selenomethionine
SeMCTM
organoselenium compound
Humans
Methylselenocysteine 98%
is absorbed and metabolized relative to
made by plants
methionine needs.
If selenomethionine is broken down
within the cell, Se is released and recognized by the cell as a
E are effective in treating mulberry heart disease (a dietetic
mineral. It is then processed according to the need for Se.
microangiopathy). Reproductive disorders, including retained
However, if the cell does not break down selenomethionine, it
placenta in dairy cows, and lowered disease resistance are
may be inadvertently incorporated into a wide variety of proteins
observed in all Se deficient species. Some species, such as rabbits
that are not genetically programmed to contain selenium.
and horses, seem to be more dependent on vitamin E than Se for
The functionality of these proteins will be compromised.
their antioxidant protection.
As a metabolic safeguard, neither dietary selenocysteine nor
This may reflect species differences in dependence on nonselenomethionine is directly incorporated into selenoproteins.
selenium containing GSH-Px.
All dietary forms of selenium must be metabolised and converted
Selenium presents a nutritional conundrum because it is both
to selenocysteine and selenoproteins under the genetically
essential and highly toxic. There are several approaches to
controlled mechanism within the cell.
measuring Se status. These include the measurement of changes
Much of the absorbed organic Se is transferred into the amino
in plasma Se concentration, measurement of GSH-Px enzyme
acid pool, where together with the existing intracellular pool, it is
activity, and absorption/retention studies.
metabolised by different pathways (see Figure 1). From there, it
The use of stable isotopes of Se have been used in human
is enzymatically converted in the liver to selenide, which serves
studies and to determine endogenous forms of selenium in foods.
as the Se source for selenocysteine synthesis.
All of these biomarkers are useful indicators of Se status but
because of the role of Se in many biochemical pathways, a single
indicator may not be an appropriate index of Se status.
Deficiency and requirements
Selenium acts biochemically in the animal or bird in a
complimentary manner to vitamin E. Both nutrients prevent
Dietary supplementation
peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes.
Selenium is routinely added to animal diets to ensure that
Most of the deficiency signs of these nutrients can be explained
requirements are met.
by their antioxidant properties. The requirement for each is
There has been increased interest recently in Se dietary
therefore influenced by the dietary concentration of the other.
supplementation to enrich animal products. The production of
For example, the Se requirement of the chick is inversely
selenium-enriched meat, milk and eggs is viewed as an effective
proportional to dietary vitamin E intake. Thus Se has sparing
and safe way of improving the selenium status of humans.
effect on the requirement for vitamin E and vice versa.
There are a range of products available for dietary Se
Manifestation of Se deficiency can take many forms and
supplementation (see Table 1).
varies between species. Muscular degeneration or white muscle
Selenium is commonly added to diets as sodium selenite.
disease occurs to varying degrees in all species. In birds,
However, there has been growing interest in dietary addition of
pancreatic fibrosis is an uncomplicated Se deficiency, whereas
organic Se. Organic sources are assimilated more efficiently than
exudative diathesis (generalised oedema visible under the skin) is
inorganic Se and considered to be less toxic and therefore more
responsive to both Se and vitamin E.
appropriate as a feed supplement.
Pigs with hepatosis diatetica (severe necrotic liver lesions)
Yeast has become the most popular vehicle for the addition of
are responsive to Se supplements, while both Se and vitamin
organic Se because of its rapid growth, ease of culture and high
40 | Milling and Grain

F
experimental conditions, as demonstrated on many
occasions, dietary supplementation with both the
inorganic and organic selenium resulted in similar
animal and bird performance.
However, tissue accumulation was significantly
greater when the organic forms of Se were fed,
which is in accord with the literature. Interestingly,
the yeast enriched with SeHLan generated
significantly higher Se concentrations in muscle
tissue than the selenomethionine enriched product.
The implication of this finding in both pigs and
broilers may imply a greater efficacy of SeHLan in
stressful commercial environments.

Remarks

Seleniums nutritional essentiality was discovered

in the 1950s.
Figure 2. Proposed metabolic pathways for SeHLan and
It is now clear that the importance of having
SeMet in animal cells (Source: Tsuji et al. 2010)
adequate amounts of Se in the diet is primarily due
to the fact that this micronutrient is required for the
biosynthesis of selenocysteine as a part of functional
selenoproteins.
capacity to accumulate Se. The major product in selenized yeast
Although animals, and presumably humans, are able to
is selenomethionine.
efficiently utilise nutritionally adequate levels of Se in both
Selenomethionine was found to be four times more effective
organic and inorganic forms for selenoprotein synthesis, it is clear
than selenite in preventing the characteristic pancreatic
that the bioavailability of Se varies, depending on the source and
degeneration caused by selenium deficiency in chicks.
chemical form of the Se supplement.
Selenium yeast (selenomethionine) was found to be much more
Tissue enrichment with Se is greater when organic forms of the
effective than inorganic Se in increasing the Se concentration
micronutrient are fed.
of cows milk. This is in accord with many animal studies and
Organic selenium, in the form of yeast enriched with
human clinical trials that have demonstrated the superior efficacy
of L-selenomethionine, in increasing Se muscle content compared selenomethionine, is widely used in animal nutrition. Recently,
yeast enriched with SeHLan became commercially available
to inorganic Se.
and initial research suggests that it may be more efficacious than
Selenohomoalanthionine (SeHLan; 2 hydroxy-4selenomethionine for tissue accumulation of Se.
methylselenobutanoic acid) was recently identified in Japanese
This has obvious implications for the production of Se enriched
pungent radish and has generated much interest as it was less
animal products but may also be important in commercial
toxic in human cell culture than selenomethionine. As shown
production units. Greater tissue reserves of Se may enhance an
in Figure 2, differences in metabolism between SeHLan and
animals resilience to stress and disease challenge.
selenomethionine may, in-part, explain the apparent difference in
toxicity.
Selenomethionie mimics methionine by sharing the same
Further reading
Bellinger FP, Raman AV, Reeves MA, Berry MJ. 2009. Regulation
metabolic pathways and can replace methionine in peptide
and function of selenoproteins in human disease. Biochemical
synthesis, as noted above, and thus disrupt protein synthesis.
Journal, 422:11-22.
As shown in Figure 2, the proposed metabolic pathway for
SeHLan appears to be much less complex; SeHLan is only
utilised in the trans-selenation pathway for selenoprotein
synthesis and therefore is not expected to interfere with the
methionine metabolic pathways. The tissue distribution of these
two selenoamino acids may also contribute to differences in
toxicity.
Both are distributed throughout the body with higher liver
and pancreas accumulation of selenomethionine in contrast
to SeHLan which preferentially accumulates in the liver and
kidneys.
At higher doses, selenomethionine has been shown to induce
pancreas damage whereas SeHLan is excreted by the kidneys
without inducing pancreatic damage.
Selenomethionine enriched yeast has been available
commercially for many years.
Recently, a yeast product enriched with SeHLan has become
available and a number of efficacy studies with growing pigs
and broiler chickens have been conducted in Australia with these
selenoamino acid sources.
In the studies both selenomethionine (Sel Plex) and SeHLan
(AB Tor-Sel) were compared to sodium selenite. In the clean
42 | Milling and Grain

.Brennan,KM, Crowdus, CA, Cantor, AH. et al 2011 Effects of

organic and inorganic dietary selenium supplementation on gene
expression profiles in oviduct tissue from broiler-breeder hens
Animal Reproduction Science 125: 180 188
Celi P, Selle PH, Cowieson AJ. 2014. Effects of organic selenium
supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilisation,
oxidative stress and selenium tissue concentrations in broiler
chickens. Animal Production Science 54, 966971.
Fairweather-Tait SJ, Collings R. Hurst, R. 2010. Selenium
bioavailability: current knowledge and future research
requirements. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
91:1484S-1491S.
Kumar BS and Priyadarsini KI. 2014 Selenium nutrition: How
important is it? Biomedicine & Preventive Nutrition 4: 333341
Schrauzer GN, Surai PF. 2009. Selenium in human and animal
nutrition: resolved and unresolved issues. Critical Reviews in
Biotechnology. 29:2-9.

Tsuji Y, Mikami T, Anan Y, Ogra Y. 2010. Comparison of

selenohomolanthionine and selenomethionine in terms of
selenium distribution and toxicity in rats by bolus administration.
Metallomics. 2:412-418.

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