Selenium in Brazil-Nut Milk: Is It Safe?

Studies on Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) and their products revealed its antioxidant benefits, especially due to the Selenium (Se) level, naturally present in Brazil nuts. In order to study toxicological risks to consumers, the aim of this work was to evaluate the Brazil nut powdered “milk” (by atomization). The powdered “milk” showed Se content of 1.200 μg/100 g after atomization. Thus, when one considers the consumption of a tablespoon (10 g) of the powdered product diluted in a 200 ml glass, 60 μg/Se is proportionally obtained and this value is under the Se Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for humans. In conclusion, the Se levels found in Brazil nuts “milk” were safe to consumers and higher than soybean milk, vegetable “milk”.

Author(s): Ariane M Kluczkovski*, Natacha Lima, Maria Oliveira

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