Selenium-enriched tea - chemical composition and health benefits

Selenium-enriched tea has attracted increasing attention for its potential health benefits, arising from the synergistic effects of selenium and tea-derived compounds. Tea plants are capable of absorbing exogenous selenium applied through soil fertilization or foliar spraying, and efficiently converting its inorganic forms into more bioavailable organic compounds. Such enrichment not only enhances the levels of beneficial constituents in tea (e.g., polyphenols, catechins, amino acids, polysaccharides, caffeine) but also contributes to improved flavour and aroma. The chemical composition of a Se-enriched tea infusion is influenced by multiple factors, including soil selenium levels, fortification methods, leaf processing techniques, and brewing conditions (e.g., temperature, steeping time, and the water-to-leaf ratio). Owing to the complexity of these parameters, the literature contains some contradictory findings. Nevertheless, studies on the health benefits of Se-enriched tea suggest positive effects on antioxidation, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotection, intestinal protection, and anticancer activity. This brief overview summarizes recent advances in research on selenium-enriched tea and discusses the impact of selenium accumulation on tea composition as well as its significance for human nutrition and health.