{"title":"Brazil nut or not? Uncovering the best source of selenium for chronic non-communicable disease","authors":"Renata Cristina Bezerra Rodrigues , Danielle Nascimento , Jessyca Brito , Ligia Soares Lima , Julie C. Lobo , Ludmila F.M.F. Cardozo , Denise Mafra","doi":"10.1016/j.fbio.2025.106520","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Selenium, an essential micronutrient known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, especially in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation frequently observed in patients with noncommunicable diseases. The ongoing discussion about optimal selenium intake has led to two main approaches in scientific research: supplementation through selenium capsules and dietary intake via natural food sources such as Brazil nut (<em>Bertholletia excelsa</em>). Brazil nut is recognized as the richest known food source of selenium, with just one nut often fulfilling the Recommended Dietary Allowance of Selenium. However, while some studies support controlled selenium supplementation through capsules to ensure precise dosages, others emphasize the benefits of consuming whole foods like Brazil nuts, which also provide additional nutrients and health advantages. This narrative review investigates the ongoing discussion between these methods, highlighting the differences in bioavailability, potential health outcomes, and practical considerations for individuals. Capsule supplementation and dietary intake via Brazil nuts exhibit possible benefits; however, additional advantages connected to Brazil nut consumption have been noted. Further research is essential to determine the most suitable option for each specific noncommunicable disease and to address the complexities of dosage control, safety, and overall nutritional impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12409,"journal":{"name":"Food Bioscience","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 106520"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8000,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Food Bioscience","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212429225006960","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Selenium, an essential micronutrient known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, especially in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation frequently observed in patients with noncommunicable diseases. The ongoing discussion about optimal selenium intake has led to two main approaches in scientific research: supplementation through selenium capsules and dietary intake via natural food sources such as Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa). Brazil nut is recognized as the richest known food source of selenium, with just one nut often fulfilling the Recommended Dietary Allowance of Selenium. However, while some studies support controlled selenium supplementation through capsules to ensure precise dosages, others emphasize the benefits of consuming whole foods like Brazil nuts, which also provide additional nutrients and health advantages. This narrative review investigates the ongoing discussion between these methods, highlighting the differences in bioavailability, potential health outcomes, and practical considerations for individuals. Capsule supplementation and dietary intake via Brazil nuts exhibit possible benefits; however, additional advantages connected to Brazil nut consumption have been noted. Further research is essential to determine the most suitable option for each specific noncommunicable disease and to address the complexities of dosage control, safety, and overall nutritional impact.
Food BioscienceBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology-Biochemistry
CiteScore
6.40
自引率
5.80%
发文量
671
审稿时长
27 days
期刊介绍:
Food Bioscience is a peer-reviewed journal that aims to provide a forum for recent developments in the field of bio-related food research. The journal focuses on both fundamental and applied research worldwide, with special attention to ethnic and cultural aspects of food bioresearch.