title: Effects of selenium biofortification on crop nutritional quality.
abstract: Selenium (Se) at very low doses has crucial functions in humans and animals. Since plants represent the main dietary source of this element, Se-containing crops may be used as a means to deliver Se to consumers (biofortification). Several strategies have been exploited to increase plant Se content. Selenium assimilation in plants affects both sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) metabolic pathways, which is why recent research has also focused on the effect of Se fertilization on the production of S- and N- secondary metabolites with putative health benefits. In this review we discuss the function of Se in plant and human nutrition and the progress in the genetic engineering of Se metabolism to increase the levels and bioavailability of this element in food crops. Particular attention is paid to Se biofortification and the synthesis of compounds with beneficial effects on health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and the Environment, University of Padova , Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malagoli
authors.affiliation: Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and the Environment, University of Padova , Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schiavon
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova , Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: dall'Acqua
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins , CO, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A H
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Pilon-Smits
keywords: food; nutritional quality; plant biofortification; secondary metabolites; selenium