Selenium Accumulation, Speciation and Localization in Brazil Nuts ( Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.)

More than a billion people worldwide may be selenium (Se) deficient, and supplementation with Se-rich Brazil nuts may be a good strategy to prevent deficiency. Since different forms of Se have different nutritional value, and Se is toxic at elevated levels, careful seed characterization is important...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plants (Basel) 2019-08, Vol.8 (8), p.289
Main Authors: Lima, Leonardo W, Stonehouse, Gavin C, Walters, Christina, Mehdawi, Ali F El, Fakra, Sirine C, Pilon-Smits, Elizabeth A H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino acids
BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K
Bioavailability
biofortification
Brazil nut
Chronic illnesses
Crop diseases
Crops
Diet
Dietary supplements
Flowers & plants
Food
Homeostasis
Localization
Metabolism
Nutrients
nutrition
Nutrition research
Nutritive value
Nuts
Physiology
Plant Sciences
Seeds
Selenium
Speciation
Toxicity
Womens health
X-ray microprobe analysis
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Summary:More than a billion people worldwide may be selenium (Se) deficient, and supplementation with Se-rich Brazil nuts may be a good strategy to prevent deficiency. Since different forms of Se have different nutritional value, and Se is toxic at elevated levels, careful seed characterization is important. Variation in Se concentration and correlations of this element with other nutrients were found in two batches of commercially available nuts. Selenium tissue localization and speciation were further determined. Mean Se levels were between 28 and 49 mg kg , with up to 8-fold seed-to-seed variation ( = 13) within batches. Brazil nut Se was mainly in organic form. While present throughout the seed, Se was most concentrated in a ring 1 to 2 mm below the surface. While healthy, Brazil nuts should be consumed in moderation. Consumption of one seed (5 g) from a high-Se area meets its recommended daily allowance; the recommended serving size of 30 g may exceed the allowable daily intake (400 μg) or even its toxicity threshold (1200 μg). Based on these findings, the recommended serving size may be re-evaluated, consumers should be warned not to exceed the serving size and the seed may be sold as part of mixed nuts, to avoid excess Se intake.
ISSN:2223-7747
2223-7747
DOI:10.3390/plants8080289