Selenium interactions with essential and toxic elements in egg yolk from commercial and fortified eggs

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2008;22(3):234-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2008.03.004. Epub 2008 Jun 5.

Abstract

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction between selenium concentration in both commercial and Se-enriched eggs and other essential/toxic elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cd), taking into account a possible synergic action of iodine. Commercial eggs were purchased from several sale points or directly from the producers (farmyard eggs). Fortified eggs were obtained by supplementing chickenfeed for 6 weeks with Se as sodium selenite (1.0 microg/g Se) or Se plus iodine (1.0 microg/g Se+3.7 microg/g I). Se in experimental egg yolks significantly increased over the basic value by 39% in the Se group and 61% in the Se+I group, suggesting that I addition may enhance Se absorption. Levels of Se in commercial yolks were identical in free-range, barn or battery eggs, but significantly lower in farmyard and higher in organic eggs where the Se content approximated that found in Se fortified eggs. A significant reduction in Cd was observed in Se+I treated yolks compared to both control and Se alone diet, thus suggesting a high sensitivity of Cd to the detoxifying effect of Se combined with I. Furthermore, Se+I supplementation was associated with a significant Zn reduction, a finding which needs clarification to avoid attempts to maximize one component affecting the levels of other essential elements.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens / metabolism*
  • Egg Yolk / chemistry*
  • Egg Yolk / metabolism*
  • Eggs / analysis*
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified / analysis*
  • Metals, Alkaline Earth / chemistry*
  • Metals, Alkaline Earth / metabolism
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry*
  • Metals, Heavy / metabolism
  • Selenium / chemistry*
  • Selenium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Metals, Alkaline Earth
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Selenium