Chemical form of selenium in naturally selenium-rich lentils (Lens culinaris L.) from Saskatchewan.

Abstract

Lentils (Lens culinaris L.) are a source of many essential dietary components and trace elements for human health. In this study we show that lentils grown in the Canadian prairies are additionally enriched in selenium, an essential micronutrient needed for general well-being, including a healthy immune system and protection against cancer. Selenium K near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has been used to examine the selenium biochemistry of two lentil cultivars grown in various locations in Saskatchewan, Canada. We observe significant variations in total selenium concentration with geographic location and cultivar; however, almost all the selenium (86-95%) in these field-grown lentils is present as organic selenium modeled as selenomethionine with a small component (5-14%) as selenate. As the toxicities of certain forms of arsenic and selenium are antagonistic, selenium-rich lentils may have a pivotal role to play in alleviating the chronic arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh.

• Authors: Dil Thavarajah, Albert Vandenberg, Graham N George, Ingrid J Pickering
• Journal: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (J Agric Food Chem) Vol. 55 Issue 18 Pg. 7337-41 (Sep 05 2007) ISSN: 0021-8561 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17685630 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Selenium Compounds
• Selenomethionine
• Selenium
• Selenic Acid

Topics

• Lens Plant (chemistry)
• Saskatchewan
• Seeds (chemistry)
• Selenic Acid
• Selenium (analysis, chemistry)
• Selenium Compounds (analysis)
• Selenomethionine (analysis)
• Species Specificity
• Spectrum Analysis
• X-Rays