[Selenium in food crops]

Biofortification of food crops with selenium is considered to be one of the most effective and economically beneficial way in the human selenium status optimization. At the same time as biologically activity of selenium is determined not only by a dose but also by chemical forms of the element it seems especially important to reveal peculiarities of their biosynthesis by different agricultural crops. The review presents the last data on the chemical forms of selenium in food products including food crops. Effect of agricultural crops biofortification with selenium on accumulation of special chemical forms of the element is discussed. Special attention is paid to representatives of Allium and Brassica species, capable to accumulate high concentrations of methylated derivatives of the element known to possess intensive anticarcinogenic acitivity. Selenium metabolism in hyperaccumulators and non-accumulators of selenium is discussed. Possible beneficial effects of selenium enriched cereals and vegetables on human health are presented. Success of Finland in improvement of human health via global utilization of fertilizers, fortified with selenium is indicated. The most important functional food products based on selenium fortified vegetables produced in different countries and developed in Russia are described.