Selenium

How You May Benefit:

Boost immune functioning
Stimulate the production of white blood cells to enhance immune functioning
Detoxify the body
Reduce the toxic effects of heavy metals like lead and mercury
Fight free radicals
Activate the powerful antioxidant glutathione to fight off potentially dangerous free radicals
Upregulate metabolism
Impart "normal" thyroid functioning to support a healthy metabolism
Combat aging
Reduce the risk of some disease conditions, such as cancer, by protecting from cellular degeneration and harmful byproducts

Overview

Our bodies use the trace mineral selenium to create "glutathione peroxidase." This accounts for its powerful antioxidant properties, which support healthy immune functioning and may help explain why it's able to help fight off a variety of diseases and even protect cells from deterioration and aging. In fact, low soil levels of selenium have actually been associated with higher cancer rates, and soil rich in selenium leads to a below-average rate for a number of cancers. Certainly, there are no coincidences here.

Usage

Amount: Reported intakes range from 200 mcg to 400 mcg daily.

Timing: Selenium can be taken with or without food, though when taken as part of a multivitamin formula, it is usually recommended with food. It should not be supplemented with large amounts of Vitamin C or trace minerals (especially zinc) as they may interfere with each other's absorption.

Because the risk for deficiencies are high and the symptoms of such deficiencies can include increased risks for cancer, heart disease, and a number of other illnesses, active people are starting to look more closely at this powerful antioxidant. Because exercise can increase levels of free radicals in the body, selenium, usually found in an antioxidant formula, may be beneficial for intensely training athletes to help them boost immune functioning.

Safety Information

Toxicity:
Food or water containing 5 to 10 ppm (parts per million) of selenium, meaning over 1,000 mcg, may interfere with the sulfur levels in the body and may result in complications with teeth, hair, skin, nails, inflammation, nausea, and fatigue.

Bans and Restrictions:
None reported.

References

Hocman, G., "Chemoprevention of Cancer: Selenium," Int J Biochem 20.2 (1988) : 123-32.

Scott, R., et al., "The Effect of Oral Selenium Supplementation on Human Sperm Motility," Br J Urol 82.1 (1998) : 76-80.

Tarp, U., "Selenium in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Review," Analyst 120.3 (1995) : 877-81.

Yoshida, M., et al., "An Evaluation of the Bioavailability of Selenium in High-Selenium Yeast," J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 45.1 (1999) : 119-28.

Zamora, A.J., et al., "Mitochondria Changes in Human Muscle After Prolonged Exercise, Endurance Training and Selenium Supplementation," Eur J Appl Physiol 71.6 (1995) : 505-11.

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