Summary
This narrative review synthesises current understanding of selenium's essential role in human health, with particular emphasis on metabolic homeostasis and reproductive function. The authors examine organic and inorganic dietary selenium sources, selenoprotein synthesis pathways, and the specific contributions of selenoproteins to thyroid and fertility health. The review highlights uncertainties in optimal selenium intake recommendations and controversies in clinical application, proposing directions for future research to clarify these gaps.
Regional applicability
The review is global in scope and does not report geographically specific data. Its findings on selenium biochemistry and health effects are applicable to United Kingdom nutrition policy and clinical practice, particularly for dietary guideline development and clinical supplementation decisions, though UK-specific epidemiological data on selenium status would complement these conclusions.
Key measures
Dietary selenium intake levels; selenoprotein synthesis pathways; thyroid function markers; fertility and reproductive outcomes; disease associations with selenium deficiency or excess
Outcomes reported
The review examined dietary selenium sources, metabolic pathways of selenoprotein synthesis, and the critical role of selenoproteins in thyroid and reproductive function. It also addressed controversies surrounding selenium use in clinical practice and dietary guideline precision.
Topic tags
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