Mongolia enriches eggs due to selenium deficiency

A trial on selenium-enriched eggs was launched in July of this year by Tumen Shuvuut, one of the largest poultry producers in Mongolia, using an organic source of selenium called Sel-Plex from Alltech. Following the successful trial, Tumen Shuvuut will sell selenium enriched eggs in supermarkets across Mongolia from December.

Organic selenium – a natural enrichment

Selenium, which is nutritionally essential for humans, is a constituent of more than two dozen selenoproteins that play critical roles in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection. The selenium enrichment process takes place when an animal is fed with an approved source of organic selenium, providing natural enrichment of the food product.

“Based on trials conducted with our flock using Sel-Plex, the research reports showed that the 0.5 gpm-enriched eggs were more likely to offset the selenium deficiency in the Mongolian population,” said Bold Jigjid, CEO of Tumen Shuvuut. “We were very satisfied with the outcome of the two-year trial with Alltech, and we look forward to producing eggs that will benefit the Mongolian people.”

Enriching food products for benefit of human health

Addressing a recent press conference in Mongolia, Dr Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech, mentioned the company has been working on the enrichment of food products with Sel-Plex for more than 15 years.

“Our organic form of selenium is able to support the immune system of the animal during production while also differentiating the final product in the market and contributing to human health,” said Lyons. “We are delighted to work with Tumen Shuvuut and to have the opportunity to highlight the benefits of selenium-enriched foods in Mongolia.”

Alltech is currently working with more than 56 companies around the globe to enrich food products in the areas of dairy, beef, pork, poultry and pet food.