The accessibility, necessity, and significance of certified reference materials for total selenium content and its species to improve food laboratories' performance

Micronutrients are one of the most important groups of nutrients that our body needs daily in trace amounts to tackle deficiencies. Selenium (Se) is a mineral that occurs naturally in foods and is an essential component of selenoproteins that support the healthy functioning of the human body. Therefore, monitoring dietary Se concentrations must be a higher priority to meet daily intakes. Fulfillment can be addressed through applying various analytical techniques, and the certified reference materials (CRMs) tool plays a crucial role in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). The availability of certified CRMs for total Se content with addition to their species is presented. The review emphasizes the necessity of incorporating more food matrix CRMs certifying Se species, apart from total Se content, to meet method validation requirements for food analysis laboratories. This would help CRM producers bridge the gap between available food matrix materials that are not certified for Se species.

Automated summary

Micronutrients are vital nutrients that the body needs in small quantities daily to prevent deficiencies. Selenium (Se) is a natural mineral found in foods and is essential for the functioning of selenoproteins, which are crucial for maintaining human health. Monitoring dietary selenium levels and using certified reference materials (CRMs) are important for quality assurance. This review highlights the need for more certified CRMs for selenium species in food analysis laboratories to meet validation requirements and bridge the gap between available food matrix materials.