Selenium biofortification: integrating one health and sustainability

Selenium (Se) biofortification in crops has emerged as a promising strategy to address global Se deficiencies and enhance both agricultural productivity and human health. Increasing the Se content of crops through biofortification improves their resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses and boosts their nutritional value. This benefits human health by protecting against diseases such as cancer, infections and allergies when the crops are consumed. Furthermore, Se-biofortified non-edible plant parts have significant potential in biomedicine and could enhance the value of agricultural byproducts. This strategy contributes to a circular economy by reducing waste, improving resource efficiency and providing sustainable alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals and supplements. Ultimately, it supports environmental and economic sustainability. Nevertheless, Se biofortification faces several challenges, particularly with regard to standardization, acceptance by consumers and farmers, and the regulatory and economic frameworks that govern its implementation. Effectively addressing these issues is crucial to unlocking the full potential of Se biofortification. This could significantly improve global nutritional outcomes, reduce the prevalence of Se deficiency-related health conditions, support the prevention and treatment of diseases and promote sustainable agricultural practices that align with long-term food security goals. In this context, future perspectives highlight the promising integration of biofortified residues generated by Se biofortification with emerging technologies such as biorefineries and artificial intelligence. These residues could be efficiently valorized and repurposed through biorefinery processes optimized by artificial intelligence, contributing to a circular economy and sustainable resource management.