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Metabolism of Hydrogen Selenide and Methylated Selenides

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Advances in Nutritional Research

Part of the book series: Advances in Nutritional Research ((ANUR,volume 2))

Abstract

Inorganic forms of selenium are readily metabolized to a variety of or-ganoselenium compounds in microorganisms, plants, and animals. The metabolism of selenium may either enhance or reduce the biological activity of this element. Nutritionally active inorganic selenium compounds, such as sodium selenite or sodium selenate, can be converted to physiologically active forms of selenium such as the selenoenzyme, GSH (glutathione) peroxidase. Toxic levels of selenite or selenate can be detoxified by the formation of methylated selenides that are readily excreted and usually less toxic.

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  1. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Howard E. Ganther

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  1. University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Harold H. Draper

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Ganther, H.E. (1979). Metabolism of Hydrogen Selenide and Methylated Selenides. In: Draper, H.H. (eds) Advances in Nutritional Research. Advances in Nutritional Research, vol 2. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9931-5_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9931-5_5

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