Bioavailability of Selenium Supplementation: Relevance to Maternal Health and Product Quality Assessment

АУТОР(И) / AUTHOR(S): Jelena Milić, Nikoleta Lugonja, Aleksandar Rakić, Jelena Brakus, Bojana Ivić

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DOI:  10.46793/ICCBIKG25.449M

САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:

Selenium is an essential micronutrient involved in antioxidant defence, thyroid function and immunity. Its adequate intake is particularly important during pregnancy, as deficiency increases the risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia, low birth weight and thyroid dysfunction. Most prenatal supplements on market either contain only selenomethionine or lack selenium entirely, raising concerns about inadequate intake in pregnant women in low selenium regions like Serbia. Organically bound selenium, especially from selenium-enriched yeast, has better bioavailability and safety compared to inorganic forms. This study analysed four commercially available selenium supplements on the Serbian market to determine total and organically bound selenium content, as well as labelling accuracy. Declared contents ranged from 50 µg to 100 µg of selenium per tablet, while the measured concentrations varied by –4.8% to +38.6%. Organically bound selenium was 79.20% to 87.02% of the total selenium content. The results underline the need for labelling of selenium species in food supplements, with particular attention to products intended for use during pregnancy.

КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:

selenium supplementation, selenium-enriched yeast, maternal health

ПРОЈЕКАТ / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This research has been financially supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Contract No. 451-03-136/2025- 03/200026). This work is related to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good health and well-being.

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