Природные соединения селена и здоровье человека

A present review, dedicated to the actual problem of selenium, which is linked to the influence of its natural organic compounds on the health of man. The structures of all fundamental biogenic compounds of this element, their biosynthesis and metabolism, are cited, as well as, its presence in natural sources of both vegetable and animal origin, and the medico-biological properties of the selenocysteine and selenomethionine of the major representatives of this class. The possibilities of using natural and synthetic compounds of selenium in prophylactic and medical aims are discussed, as well as the maintenance of biogenic selenium in food products.