ABSTRACT
The selenocompounds in plants can have a profound effect on the health of animals and humans. Selenomethionine (Semet) is the major selenocompound in cereal grains and enriched yeast, whereas Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMCYS) is the major selenocompound in selenium accumulator plants and some plants of economic importance such as garlic and broccoli exposed to excess selenium. Epidemiological studies indicate an inverse relationship between selenium intake
and the incidence of certain cancers. Usually blood or plasma levels of selenium are lower in patients with cancer than those without this disorder, but inconsistent results have been found with toenail selenium values and the incidence of cancer.
