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Published on: June 28, 2024
Selenoproteins and maternal nutrition
A C Pappas1, E Zoidis, P F Surai
1Department of Nutritional Physiology and Feeding, Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece. apappas@aua.gr
Selenium (Se) is vital for health, supporting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions through selenoproteins. Maternal Se intake significantly impacts offspring health and antioxidant protection, highlighting the importance of both prenatal and postnatal supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element crucial for human health.
- It underpins the function of at least 25 selenoproteins (Sel) involved in critical biological processes.
- These selenoproteins possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms of Selenium synthesis.
- To discuss the impact of maternal Selenium intake on offspring health and development.
- To emphasize the role of Selenium in antioxidant protection for progeny.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent scientific progress.
- Analysis of studies investigating Selenium synthesis regulation.
- Examination of research on maternal Selenium nutrition and its effects on offspring.
Main Results:
- Selenium regulates its own synthesis, primarily at post-transcriptional levels, with emerging evidence for transcriptional and redox regulation.
- Maternal nutrition profoundly influences offspring performance and health.
- Both maternal and offspring Selenium supplementation are critical for establishing robust antioxidant defenses in progeny.
Conclusions:
- Adequate Selenium intake is fundamental for health due to its role in numerous selenoproteins.
- Maternal Selenium status is a key determinant of offspring's antioxidant capacity.
- Strategic prenatal and postnatal Selenium supplementation can optimize offspring's health and antioxidant protection from birth.
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