ABSTRACT
Selenium (Se) is an important dietary micronutrient for human and animal health and it is a vital component of various selenoproteins (Zarczynska et al. 2012) that play an essential role in regulating multiple body functions, including metabolism, thyroid hormone synthesis, and normal functioning of the thyroid gland (Rayman 2000). Its deficiency can result in various health disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and reduced fertility (Broadley et al. 2007). Previous research in northeast (NE) Pakistan has demonstrated that Se content in locally produced food is inadequate and, consequently, daily intake may fall below the WHO recommended level of 50– 70 μg/d. Our study aimed to assess the viability of Se biofortification in NE Pakistan, a region considered to be selenium-deficient. A further aim was to quantify the effect of residual soil Se on subsequent crops and to assess the fate of residual soil Se. Wheat was selected for the study because it accounts for almost 75% of daily energy intake for the local population in this region (Zia et al. 2014). An enriched stable isotope (77Se) was used to distinguish between fertilizer- and soil-derived Se.
