Title: Selenium Accumulation, Speciation and Localization in Brazil Nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.)

Abstract

More than a billion people worldwide may be selenium (Se) deficient, and supplementation with Se-rich Brazil nuts may be a good strategy to prevent deficiency. Since different forms of Se have different nutritional value, and Se is toxic at elevated levels, careful seed characterization is important. Variation in Se concentration and correlations of this element with other nutrients were found in two batches of commercially available nuts. Selenium tissue localization and specification were further determined. Mean Se levels were between 28 and 49 mg kg-1, with up to 8-fold seed-to-seed variation (n = 13) within batches. Brazil nut Se was mainly in organic form. While present throughout the seed, Se was most concentrated in a ring 1 to 2 mm below the surface. While healthy, Brazil nuts should be consumed in moderation. Consumption of one seed (5 g) from a high-Se area meets its recommended daily allowance; the recommended serving size of 30 g may exceed the allowable daily intake (400 μg) or even its toxicity threshold (1200 μg). Based on these findings, the recommended serving size may be re-evaluated, consumers should be warned not to exceed the serving size and the seed may be sold as part of mixedmore » nuts, to avoid excess Se intake.« less

Authors:

Lima, Leonardo W.  ^[1];

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Lima, Leonardo W."
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-1507-8877"
• Search orcid.org for ORCID "0000-0002-1507-8877"

Stonehouse, Gavin C. ^[1]; Walters, Christina ^[2]; Mehdawi, Ali F. El ^[1]; Fakra, Sirine C. ^[3]; Pilon-Smits, Elizabeth A. H.  ^[1]

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Pilon-Smits, Elizabeth A. H."
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-1205-8798"
• Search orcid.org for ORCID "0000-0003-1205-8798"

---

+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
2. National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
3. Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Publication Date:

2019-08-01

Research Org.:

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC); National Science Foundation (NSF)

OSTI Identifier:

1628521

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC02-05CH11231; IOS-1456361

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Plants

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 8; Journal Issue: 8; Journal ID: ISSN 2223-7747

Publisher:

MDPI

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; Plant Sciences