Nutritional and toxicological trade-offs in selenium enrichment: a bioaccessibility-based comparison of biofortified and naturally enriched foods

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.150400

Geological variation in soil selenium (Se) content shapes both the nutritional value and toxicological risk of food crops. This study compared Se-biofortified rice from Brazil with naturally Se-enriched rice, cereal-based noodles, teas, meat snacks, and supplements from seleniferous regions of China. Total Se and As concentrations, dietary intake, and bioaccessibility were further assessed using in vitro digestion. Brazilian biofortified rice contained 175–9037 μg/kg Se with negligible As (≤1 μg/kg), while geogenic rice showed 76–995 μg/kg Se and 48–321 μg/kg As. Cooking reduced As by up to 71%. Selenium intakes remained within safe limits across all products, though As exposure from geogenic rice exceeded EFSA thresholds (HQ ' 3). Selenium bioaccessibility averaged 24% in cereals, 22% in supplements and up to 69% in teas, decreasing significantly with ultrafiltration. These results show the need to tailor Se enrichment strategies to local geochemical contexts to balance nutritional benefits with contaminant risks.