Current advances in selenium research and applications

Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary trace element participating in the regulation of various physiological functions in both animals and humans through its incorporation into selenoproteins as the amino acid selenocysteine. Among many minerals Se has a special place being the most controversial trace element with a narrow gap between essentiality and toxicity. Indeed there are important environmental issues considering selenium as a pollutant from the one hand and global selenium deficiency on the other. In fact, Se deficiency is considered as a risk factor for the development of various diseases in human and animals. Decreased Se availability from soils as a result of low soil pH and usage of synthetic fertilizers is the major concern in European countries causing inadequate Se levels in food and feeds. Furthermore, it seems likely that sodium selenite used for the last 30 years as a feed supplement is not an optimal form of Se.

"Volume 1"--Cover

Contents -- Selenium deficiency in Europe: causes and consequences -- P.F. Surai1-4, V.I. Fisinin5 and T.T. Papazyan6 -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Role of selenium in human health -- 3. Meeting selenium requirement -- 4. Selenium in soils and plants -- 5. Plants as major sources of selenium for animals and human -- 6. Selenium sources for animal and human consumption -- 7. Different strategies to address selenium deficiency in human -- 8. Conclusions -- References -- Selenium deficiency in Russia: problems and decisions -- N. Golubkina -- 1. Introduction

2. Human selenium status in Russia3. Dietetic sources of selenium in Russia -- 4. Improving selenium status in Russia -- References -- Selenium status in Ukraine: food for thoughts -- S.D. Melnichuk1 and P.F. Surai2-5 -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Health status of Ukrainians -- 3. Selenium status of Ukraine -- 4. Selenium and radiation -- 5. Conclusions -- References -- Selenium-enriched eggs: from niche market to main stream -- T.T. Papazyan1, V.I. Fisinin2 and P.F. Surai3-6 -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Selenium-enriched products

3. Improving the image of the egg4. Selenium-enriched eggs as a route toward improving human selenium status -- …