Summary
This narrative review examines selenium biofortification as an integrated strategy to address global selenium deficiency whilst enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The authors emphasise that whilst biofortification improves crop nutritional density and stress resilience, and offers potential for valorising non-edible plant biomass through biorefinery technologies, widespread adoption faces substantial barriers around standardisation, regulatory acceptance, and farmer and consumer uptake. The paper positions future integration with artificial intelligence and biorefinery processes as pathways to realising circular economy benefits.
UK applicability
Selenium deficiency is less prevalent in the United Kingdom due to adequate dietary intake from diverse food sources, though biofortification techniques could support crop resilience in changing climatic conditions and add value to agricultural residues. UK policy interest is likely limited to research and development rather than implementation unless broader micronutrient fortification priorities shift.
Key measures
Selenium content in crops; crop resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses; disease prevention outcomes (cancer, infections, allergies); agricultural byproduct valorisation; circular economy metrics
Outcomes reported
The paper synthesises evidence on how selenium biofortification improves crop nutritional value and plant stress resilience, and explores the potential of selenium-biofortified crop residues in biomedicine and circular economy applications. It identifies key implementation challenges including standardisation, consumer and farmer acceptance, and regulatory frameworks.
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