Summary
This scoping review synthesised 34 primary studies published between 1984 and 2021 to characterise linkages between selenium in soils and crops, dietary intakes, and human selenium status across Sub-Saharan Africa. The evidence indicates that soil type is a primary driver of crop selenium concentration, which in turn correlates with dietary selenium intake and biomarkers of human selenium status. However, substantial gaps remain in empirical evidence connecting agricultural production decisions to population-level selenium adequacy across the region.
Regional applicability
The UK has naturally adequate selenium in soils and food supplies, making these Sub-Saharan Africa-specific findings of limited direct application to UK agricultural or nutritional policy. However, the methodological approach to mapping agriculture–nutrition linkages for micronutrients could inform UK research on other potentially limiting nutrients or regional soil deficiencies.
Key measures
Selenium concentrations in soils, crops, animal tissues and livestock; dietary selenium intake; human selenium status biomarkers (presumed to include plasma selenoprotein P, glutathione peroxidase activity, or similar)
Outcomes reported
The scoping review synthesised evidence on selenium concentrations across soils, crops, animal tissues and human biomarkers in Sub-Saharan Africa, and examined linkages between agricultural production and population selenium status. The study identified gaps in evidence connecting the agriculture–nutrition nexus for selenium.
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