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Health
Vitamins
& Minerals
Selenium
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Selenium
Fast Facts
Foods:
Brazil nuts, red meat, white
meat turkey & chicken, tuna,
cod, eggs, oatmeal
What
it's good for: antioxidant
properties point to its use in
overall immune system protection
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Selenium,
which is known as Se on the periodic table, is a trace mineral
that is essential for human health. Selenium plays many different
roles in the body, but perhaps one of the most important is
that of antioxidant.
Antioxidants such as selenium eliminate free
radicals, which are unstable molecules in the body. Free
radicals can contribute to a number of ailments such as cancer
and heart
disease, and are even partially responsible for the body's
aging process. Taking antioxidants like selenium can counteract
the damage that free radicals do.
In fact, geographical studies have found that areas of the
world with low selenium concentrations in the soil and the
diet of the people living there corresponds to an increased
risk of developing cancer. Two different studies were also
conducted where researchers gave selenium enriched table salt
to test subjects. One test in China showed a 35% reduction
in the rate of liver
cancer, while the other in the United States showed a
49% reduction in the rate of prostate
cancer.
Researchers are also very interested in the relationship between
selenium and HIV.
One of the most accurate indicators of the progression of
HIV is the selenium levels of those who are infected. As HIV
progresses, selenium levels go down. Several studies have
been done where selenium supplements were given to those infected
with HIV, and the results have been extremely positive. Selenium
supplementation seems to slow down the rate at which HIV progresses,
and provides a variety of health benefits for those who have
HIV.
A word of caution regarding selenium supplementation: one
study of the relationship between selenium and type
2 diabetes showed that selenium increases the risk of
developing type 2 diabetes. This is only one study, which
has not been replicated, but it is still worth considering
when considering whether or not to take selenium supplements,
especially in high doses.
More information about selenium around the Web:
The
Merck Manual - Selenium
- Its function as an antioxidant in conjuction with vitamin
E, and a discussion on research suggesting selenium's role
as a cancer fighter, plus info on deficiency and symptoms
of toxicity.
Selenium,
Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center
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An overview, information on related selenoproteins, nutrient
interactions, the results of deficiency suggesting its use
in fighting cancer, HIV/AIDS and heart disease, recommended
dietary allowance, food sources and supplements, drug interactions,
references.
Dietary
Supplement Fact Sheet: Selenium - Extensive information
on good food sources, recommended dietary intake, causes of
deficiency, supplements, current controversies, toxicity,
references.
Unconventional
Therapies - Selenium - Both sides of the issue regarding
the use of selenium in cancer treatments in quoted sources
from both advocates and critics, plus more on toxicity/risks
and related references.
Food
Standards Agency - Selenium - A quick definition with
suggested food sources and daily allowances with more complete
information and scientific assessment in PDF format.
MedlinePlus
Medical Encyclopedia: Selenium in diet - Its role
as an antioxidant and aid to men's infertility, good food
sources, side effects and recommended daily allowances.
also
in Vitamins & Minerals --> Calcium
| Chromium
| Copper
Magnesium
| Manganese
| Molybdenum
| Nickel
| Phosphorus
Potassium
| Selenium
| Silicon
| Sodium
chloride
Sulphur
| Tin
| Vanadium
| Zinc
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