ARE PLANT-BASED BEVERAGES SELENIUM SOURCE?

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient present in the structure of several proteins, it’s important against the cellular oxidative stress. Its intake may be deficient in populations with low animal protein intake or individuals with a restrictive/vegan diet. These populations have increased the consumption of plant-based beverages and might be an important source of nutrients, as Se. However, there are no studies that evaluate the Se content in these beverages and their contribution to the daily recommended intake (DRI). The objective of this work was to evaluate the Se content in plant-based beverages of different compositions, and its contribution to the Se DRI, as an unpublished study. It were performed analyses of 18 plant-based beverages with formulations of: cashew nut(2), cashew nut with cocoa(1), cashew nut with coconut(1), cashew nut with Brazil nuts (1), soy(1), rice(3), oats(3), coco(3), peanuts(1), almonds(2). Se analysis was performed with acid digestion and incineration at 450°C, and detection with Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HG-AAS), with validated method. The levels found ranged from <1.2(LOQ) to 160.5µg/kg with an average of 16.1µg/kg. Soybean, rice, almond and peanut beverages had Se levels lower than the LOQ, being considered poor in Se. The coconut beverages presented levels of 2.4-22.3µg/kg, being the last one fortified with selenomethionine, indicating that fortification is necessary to increase the Se content in this type of drink. Oat drinks had low levels of <1.2-5.7µg/kg Se. However, all cashew beverages had significant Se contents, ranging from 19.6-160.5µg/kg, being the last one a mixture with Brazil nuts, a well-know source of Se. About this beverages types, one serving (240mL) provides 8 to 70% of the DRI (55µg) of Se, thus being an important source of Se in the diet. It is concluded that plant-based beverages in general have low Se contents, but cashew beverages are good sources.