Selenium

Selenium (SE) is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. Selenium is an important antioxidant. The antioxidant properties help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as, cancer and heart disease. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system.

What are selenium's functions?

Selenium is important for:

its antioxidant capacity,
the repair of DNA,
a healthy immune system,
the prevention of many cancers,
improving liver function,
maintaining healthy eyes and eyesight,
maintaining healthy skin and hair,
protection against heart and circulatory diseases,
impeding the aging process,
detoxifying alcohol and many drugs, including smoke and some fats, and
increasing male potency and sex drive.

What are the signs and symptoms of a selenium deficiency?

The deficiency signs and symptoms include:

cataracts,
impaired growth,
heart disease,
reduced immunity and resistance to infections,
inflammation of the muscles,
reduced fertility in men,
age spots,
cancerous changes, and
the reduced ability to detoxify.

Food sources of selenium

Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries throughout the world. The content of selenium in food depends on the selenium content of the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised.

Selenium also can be found in some meats and seafood. Animals that eat grains or plants that were grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle. In the U.S., meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Some nuts are also sources of selenium. Selenium occurs in foods such as corn, wheat, and soybean.

Therapeutic used

Selenium has been used in the following conditions:

dandruff,
cancers,
acne,
arthritis,
asthma,
reduced sperm motility,
thyroid function,
kidney problems,
HIV and AIDS,
muscular dystrophy, and
epilepsy.

Dosage

Dosages of 400 to 1,000 mcg have been used for immune stimulation and for anti-carcinogenic effect, but 50 to 200 mcg should be adequate to experience health benefits. It is taken with 30 to 400 IU of vitamin E for best effect.

Special notes

Selenium is toxic in small doses so beware of blackened fingernails and or a garlic odor on skin and breath.

Diets that are high in refined foods are more likely to be selenium deficient.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.