Seleniumenriched

Seleniumenriched denotes products, ingredients, or materials that have been fortified with selenium to raise their selenium content beyond natural levels, often to address dietary deficiency or to optimize animal and human health.

Methods of enrichment include agronomic biofortification—growing crops with selenium-containing fertilizers such as selenate or selenite to accumulate selenium in edible tissues—and microbial production, notably selenium-enriched yeast or other microorganisms used as dietary supplements. In livestock and aquaculture, selenium is frequently added to feed to improve selenium status in animals and in the products derived from them.

The selenium in enriched products tends to be in organic forms, especially selenomethionine or related species, which generally have higher bioavailability in humans and animals than inorganic forms. The precise speciation depends on the enrichment method and product matrix.

Common applications include selenium-enriched cereals, bread, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, and supplements such as selenium-enriched yeast. These products are used to help meet recommended intake in populations at risk of selenium deficiency.

Safety and regulation: Because selenium has a narrow margin between nutritional needs and toxicity, enrichment is accompanied by limits on selenium content per serving and regular testing. Chronic intake above established upper limits can cause selenosis. Regulatory standards for labeling, quality control, and permitted sources vary by country.