Leading the Future of Selenium Supplementation: Advancements in Yeast-Based Bioavailable Solutions
Selenium is a vital trace element essential for human and animal health, playing a key role in supporting selenoenzyme activity. This crucial micronutrient helps safeguard against cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and diabetes while enhancing immune function and antibody production (IgG and IgM). However, selenium deficiency remains a global concern, particularly in regions like Europe, New Zealand, and China, where low soil selenium levels impact food and feed sources.
Leading the Future of Selenium Supplementation: Advancements in Yeast-Based Bioavailable Solutions
Selenium is a vital trace element essential for human and animal health, playing a key role in supporting selenoenzyme activity. This crucial micronutrient helps safeguard against cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and diabetes while enhancing immune function and antibody production (IgG and IgM). However, selenium deficiency remains a global concern, particularly in regions like Europe, New Zealand, and China, where low soil selenium levels impact food and feed sources.
To address this issue, the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries have developed selenium-enriched foods and dietary supplements to bridge the nutritional gap. Among the various forms of selenium supplementation, organic selenium compounds boast superior bioavailability, with absorption rates reaching 90–95% and human utilization rates of approximately 75–90%.
A breakthrough in selenium supplementation involves the use of selenium-enriched yeast, which effectively transforms inorganic selenium into highly bioavailable organic compounds such as selenomethionine, selenocysteine, and selenomethylselenocysteine. The well-established Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast has been extensively studied for its role in this biotransformation. However, recent research is expanding to alternative yeast strains.
The ongoing research highlights the increasing importance of selenium supplementation, not only for its health benefits but also for its economic and environmental benefits. As discoveries emerge, the industry continues to refine innovative and effective solutions for optimal selenium intake, reinforcing the significance of this essential element in medicine and nutrition.