title: Selenium interactions with essential and toxic elements in egg yolk from commercial and fortified eggs.
abstract: The main objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction between selenium concentration in both commercial and Se-enriched eggs and other essential/toxic elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cd), taking into account a possible synergic action of iodine. Commercial eggs were purchased from several sale points or directly from the producers (farmyard eggs). Fortified eggs were obtained by supplementing chickenfeed for 6 weeks with Se as sodium selenite (1.0 microg/g Se) or Se plus iodine (1.0 microg/g Se+3.7 microg/g I). Se in experimental egg yolks significantly increased over the basic value by 39% in the Se group and 61% in the Se+I group, suggesting that I addition may enhance Se absorption. Levels of Se in commercial yolks were identical in free-range, barn or battery eggs, but significantly lower in farmyard and higher in organic eggs where the Se content approximated that found in Se fortified eggs. A significant reduction in Cd was observed in Se+I treated yolks compared to both control and Se alone diet, thus suggesting a high sensitivity of Cd to the detoxifying effect of Se combined with I. Furthermore, Se+I supplementation was associated with a significant Zn reduction, a finding which needs clarification to avoid attempts to maximize one component affecting the levels of other essential elements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. bargellini.annalisa@unimore.it
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bargellini
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marchesi
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rizzi
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cauteruccio
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Masironi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simioli
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Borella