Selenium-Containing Peptides from Foodstuff: Preparation, Bioavailability, Bioactivities, and Future Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

Background:

• Selenium-containing peptides (SePPs) are bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory roles.
• Conventional selenium (Se) supplements have limitations due to a narrow therapeutic window and lower bioavailability.
• SePPs present a promising alternative, offering improved absorption, efficacy, and targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the preparation, bioavailability, bioactivities, and applications of SePPs.
• To highlight the advantages of SePPs over conventional selenium supplements.
• To identify challenges and propose future strategies for SePPs in food and medicine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on SePPs preparation, characterization, and biological activities.
• Analysis of research comparing SePPs with conventional selenium supplements.
• Examination of current and potential applications in functional foods and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• SePPs exhibit superior intestinal absorption, free radical scavenging, and targeted delivery compared to conventional selenium.
• Advanced preparation techniques like enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation enhance SePP production.
• Promising applications identified in hepatoprotection, antioxidative stress, immunomodulation, and antihypertensive treatments.

Conclusions:

• SePPs represent a highly bioavailable and multifunctional form of selenium with significant therapeutic potential.
• Challenges in industrial production efficiency, stability, and purity need to be addressed.
• Innovative strategies such as nanocarrier delivery and genetic engineering are crucial for advancing SePPs in functional foods and precision medicine for selenium-related diseases.