Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system.

Selenium has many food sources (vegetables, meats, seafood, nuts), and the content of selenium in foods mostly depends on the one of the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised.

The recommended selenium intake is between 55mcg and 70mcg for adults, and 15mcg-20mcg for infants.

Although the occuring of selenium deficiency is rather rare in developed countries, it's believed that selenium deficiency may be associated with development of heart diseases, hyperthyroidism, and immune system weakening.

Besides poor dietary intake, some diseases or viruses can be accounted for selenium deficiency.
Severe gastrointestinal disorders, surgical removal of part of the stomach, or widespread inflammation and/or infection can impair the body ability to absorb selenium or decrease its level in the blood.

Many studies have shown the active properties of selenium in cases of cancer, heart diseases, athritis, and HIV.

Observational studies have indicated that cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with higher blood levels or intake of selenium. In addition, the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer is significantly higher in areas with low soil selenium content
Research suggests that selenium affects cancer risk in two ways. As an anti-oxidant, selenium can help protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals. Selenium may also prevent or slow tumor growth. Certain breakdown products of selenium are believed to prevent tumor growth by enhancing immune cell activity and suppressing development of blood vessels to the tumor.
However, not all studies have shown a relationship between selenium status and cancer.

Some studies have suggested an association between lower antioxidant intake and a greater incidence of heart disease Evidence also suggests that oxidative stress from free radicals, which are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism, may promote heart disease. Selenium is one of a group of antioxidants that may help limit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and thereby help to prevent coronary artery disease. Researches are still under way.


Some studies indicate that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have reduced selenium levels in their blood. In addition, some individuals with arthritis have a low selenium intake.
The body's immune system naturally makes free radicals that can help destroy invading organisms and damaged tissue, but that can also harm healthy tissue. Selenium, as an antioxidant, may help to relieve symptoms of arthritis by controlling levels of free radicals. However, further reasearch is needed.

HIV/AIDS malabsorption can deplete levels of many nutrients, including selenium. Selenium deficiency is associated with decreased immune cell counts, increased disease progression, and high risk of death in the HIV/AIDS population. HIV/AIDS gradually destroys the immune system, and oxidative stress may contribute to further damage of immune cells. Antioxidant nutrients such as selenium help protect cells from oxidative stress, thus potentially slowing progression of the disease.
Researchers aboutthe relationship between selenium and HIV/AIDS, including the effect of selenium levels on disease progression and mortality, are still in progress. However, it is important for HIV-positive individuals to consume recommended amounts of selenium in their diet.

Yet, excessive selenium intake can cause a condition known as selenosis, which features gastrointestinal upsets, hair loss, white blotchy nails, garlic breath odor, fatigue, irritability, and mild nerve damage.




                                                                          Articles from NIH and Naturmedica




WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disease treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.