Selenium

Function

Selenium has a variety of functions. It helps make special proteins, called antioxidant enzymes, which play a role in preventing cell damage. Some medical information suggests that this mineral may help prevent certain cancers, but better studies are needed.

There have also been mixed results regarding this mineral´s impact on cardiovascular disease. This trace mineral may boost fertility, especially among men. The mineral has been shown to improve the production of sperm and sperm movement.

This mineral seems to stimulate antibodies after you receive a vaccination. It also may help protect the body from the poisonous effects of heavy metals and other harmful substances.

Food Sources

Plant foods, such as vegetables, are the most common dietary sources of this mineral. How much of this mineral is in the vegetables you eat depends on how much of the mineral was in the soil where the plants grew.

Fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, liver, garlic, and brazil nuts are all good sources of this mineral. Meats produced from animals that ate grains or plants found in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of this trace mineral.

Brewer´s yeast, wheat germ, and enriched breads are also good sources of this trace mineral.

Side Effects

This mineral deficiency is rare in people in the United States. However, deficiency of this mineral may occur when a person is fed through a vein (IV line) for long periods of time.

Keshan disease is caused by a deficiency of this mineral. This leads to an abnormality of the heart muscle. Keshan disease caused many childhood deaths in China until the link to this trace mineral was discovered and supplements of this mineral were provided.

Two other diseases have been linked to this mineral´s deficiency:

• Kashin-Beck disease, which results in joint and bone disease
• Myxedematous endemic cretinism, which results in mental retardation

Severe gastrointestinal disorders may also affect the body´s ability to absorb this trace mineral.

Too much selenium in the blood can cause a condition called selenosis. Selenosis can cause loss of hair, nail problems, nausea, irritability, fatigue, and mild nerve damage. However, this mineral´s toxicity is rare in the United States.

suggested course of action

This mineral is often available in multivitamin and mineral supplements. The amount of selenium is listed in micrograms/day, or µg/day. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need slightly higher amounts. Ask your health care provider what is best for you.

Establish a Nutritional Foundation that supplies selenium

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please, consult your health care provider before taking over the counter or prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or following any health treatment or regimen. The above product(s) is not a substiture for a well balanced diet.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.