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Bioavailability and speciation of selenium from selenium-enriched mushrooms

This paper was produced following collaborative work supported by the NMS Chemical and Biological Metrology programme between LGC and the University of Surrey. It details work carried out under the Inorganic and Speciation Analysis theme of projects in particular project S1 – Novel selenium speciation methods and reference materials to support new food supplements and anti-cancer therapy.

Selenium (Se) has become an increasingly important element due to its beneficial effect on human health. The relatively low intake of Se in the UK has encouraged the creation of Se-enriched functional foods. One such food is the common mushroom, which can be cultivated readily in the presence of additional Se. However their usefulness as a possible new source of dietary Se is dependant on the species present.

The aim, therefore, was to see whether consumption of Se-enriched mushrooms could increase Se status in adults. Specially grown Se-enriched Agaricus bisporus mushrooms were investigated and the Se content determined. Speciation showed that Se was present both as selenomethionine, and as the potent anti-cancer agent, Se-methyl-selenocysteine.

A human trial was also carried out involving over 100 participants. Blood samples were analysed by inductively-coupled plasma MS for mean plasma Se (μg/l). It was concluded that eating Se-enriched mushrooms is a satisfactory way of increasing Se status.

The paper can be obtained from the British Library. For further information contact the NMS helpdesk at LGC.