Essentiality and toxicity of selenium and its status in Australia: a review

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animals and humans because of its role in an antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme protects cell membranes from damage caused by the peroxidation of lipids. The paper provides an overview of the effects of Se toxicity and deficiency in humans and animals. It is well established that Se deficiency causes health implications in humans and animals. Se is also very toxic and can cause Se poisoning (selenosis) in humans and animals. In Australia, Se deficiency has caused health problem to livestock; however, the problems were eliminated after the introduction of Se supplementation. Se toxicity has also been reported in some regions of Australia as a result of livestock feeding on Se accumulative plant species. The major source of Se is diet, and in many regions of the world the levels of Se in the soils generally reflect the Se status in human populations. In foods, the bioavailability and toxicity of Se depend on its chemical forms. Generally, organic forms of Se are more bioavailable and less toxic than the inorganic forms (selenites, selenates). The Se status in the Australian population and how this is compared with the rest of the world is also discussed.