Selenium

The importance of selenium seems to increase every time a new study is completed involving this mineral. Selenium functions as a cofactor in enzyme systems, exerting effects similar to the free radical fighting action of Vitamin E. This trace mineral works with Vitamin E to enhance immunity and create enzymes which protect the body from harmful peroxides. As an antioxidant, selenium has emerged as a critical nutrient for the prevention of many diseases and is essential for people of all ages.

People with low body stores of selenium have a greater chance of developing cancer, heart disease, inflammatory disease, cataracts, and signs of premature aging. Low blood and liver levels of the mineral are also common among persons suffering from chronic liver disease. Even a marginal selenium deficiency can be detrimental, negatively affecting mood, anxiety, and energy levels.

Deficiencies of the mineral in crops and soil has been linked to cancer rates in many locations. Cancer death rates have been shown to be much less in areas where the mineral content of the soil is highest. Selenium has been shown to be protective against esophageal, stomach, colon, and rectal cancers.

For women, boosting selenium intake appears to exert a powerful effect against the development of breast cancer. A study conducted at the University of California at San Diego found that after increasing the selenium content of the diet, the breast cancer rate dropped from 82% to 10% in female mice.¹ A study conducted two years later at the University of California at San Francisco supports this finding.² This study compared the average Asian versus American diet. The typical American diet contained much less selenium and much more polyunsaturated fats than the Asian diet. Because the breast cancer rate is considerably lower among Asian populations, it was suggested that diets rich in selenium and low in polyunsaturated fats play an important role in the prevention of this disease.

In addition to its benefits in breast cancer, it is also important for women to be aware that selenium requirements increase during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages. Babies with low birth weight have low levels of the mineral in their bodies. Low selenium levels in newborns has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In areas where the soil content of selenium is lowest, the SIDS rate is much higher.

Supplemental selenium has shown to be effective for a variety of conditions. Even persons with normal levels of the mineral have shown improvements in immune system functioning after taking selenium supplements. In combination with Vitamin E, these supplements work to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In both oral and topical form, selenium protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. This can cause both acute and chronic skin damage. One researcher argues that a selenium intake of 100 mcg daily (doubled for those with a history of cancer) in the form of L-selenomethionine reduces the risk of skin cancer. However, until more is known about its toxicity, an adult should restrict daily intake to no more than 200 mcg unless under a physicianÕs supervision.

Selenium supplementation increases glutathione peroxidase activity. This antioxidant enzyme is dependent on selenium and works with other antioxidants to combat free radicals. Glutathione peroxidase is involved in the formation and function of white blood cells, contributing to a healthy immune system. This same enzyme also prevents free radicals from inducing cancer-promoting cell damage, and is seen as an important factor in maintaining a healthy heart. This is especially important for smokers. It is often recommended as part of the treatment for post-heart attack patients. According to researchers at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, the increase of glutathione peroxidase may also help counteract the inflammation and disordered respiration associated with asthma.³

1 Schrauzer G, 1974, as cited in Passwater, The New Supernutrition, 1991, 125.

2 Wilson C, FASEB news briefs; Chem. Eng. News 12 (May 3, 1976).

3 Hasselmark L, Malmgren R, Zetterstrom O, et al: Selenium supplementation in intrinsic asthma. Allergy 1993;48:30-36.

• Barley
• Bran
• Brazil nuts
• Broccoli
• Brown rice
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Chicken
• Cucumbers
• Egg yolk
• Garlic
• Kidney
• Liver
• Milk
• Mushrooms
• Oats
• Onions
• Orange juice
• Seafood
• Tuna
• Turnips
• Wheat germ
• Whole-grain products

NOTE: The selenium content of food varies greatly because of the wide variability of this element in the soil. Accurate levels in food are not available.

Available as:

• Tablets or capsules: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
• Inorganic salts: sodium selenite.
• Organic forms: selenomethionine and selenium-rich yeast (preferred forms).¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Complements Vitamin E to act as an efficient antioxidant.
• Promotes normal growth and development.
• Functions as antioxidant itself.

What this mineral does:

• Selenium helps defend against damage from oxidation.
• Involved in making thyroid hormone.
• Forms the glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS:

• Stimulates immune system.
• Cures cancer.
• Cures arthritis.
• Protects against all hypothesized aging mechanisms.
• Protects against cardiovascular disease, strokes and heart attacks.
• Decreases platelet clumping in bloodstream, and prevents clots at site of blood-vessel damage in heart and brain.
• Increases elasticity and youthfulness of skin.
• Helps control dandruff (selenium sulfide) when applied to scalp. Used this way it possesses anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects.
• Acts as an aphrodisiac.
• Increases fertility.
• Removes age spots when rubbed on skin.
• Protects against damage caused by tobacco smoking.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

• Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.
• People who live in areas where soil is selenium-deficient, such as China, New Zealand and central and eastern United States. In the United States check with your local county agricultural agent.

Miscellaneous information:

• Should be part of a well-balanced vitamin-mineral regimen.
• Protection from human degenerative disorders has yet to be proved.
• Experimental studies are trying to prove selenium plays a big part as an "antioxidant nutrient" to help protect against damaging "free radicals."
• Organic forms (from foods or brewer's yeast) are less toxic than inorganic sodium selenite.
• No one can be sure of correct amount to be ingested each day. People who eat a balanced diet of food grown in the western United States probably get enough from food.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

• Selenium deficiency in the soil and water has resulted in cardiomyopathy and myocardial deaths in humans¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Keshan's disease, a fatal heart disease found in children living in certain sections of China
• Cataracts
• Muscular dystrophy
• Retarded growth
• Liver problems
• Infertility
• Some forms of cancer
• Eye damage
• Hair loss
• Tooth problems
• Heart and liver damage¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

• 24-hour urine collection
• Glutathione peroxidase functional assay¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

Optimal Levels

• 100-200 mcg.

Minimum Dosage

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

No RDA has been established. Estimated safe intake given below:

Don't take if you:

• Plan to use it on scalp or skin for seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff if you have any inflammation or oozing.

Consult your doctor if you have:

• Plans to take more than the dose recommended by the manufacturer.

Over age 55:

• No problems expected with usual doses.

Pregnancy:

• No problems expected with usual doses.

Breast feeding:

• No problems expected with usual doses.
• Don't take megadoses.

Effect on lab tests:

• May decrease serum Vitamin C.

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.

Others:

• When used on hair, rinse hair carefully to prevent discoloration.
• Workers at industrial sites that manufacture glass, pesticides, rubber, semi-conductors, copper and film are at increased risk of developing toxic symptoms from inhalation, absorption through the skin and ingestion. These may include bronchial pneumonia,
• asthma, precipitous drop in blood pressure, red eyes, garlic odor on breath and in urine, headaches, metallic taste, nose and throat irritation, difficulty breathing, vomiting, weakness.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

• Unlikely to develop if organic selenium is not consumed at a rate greater than dose recommended by the manufacturer. Toxicity may develop over time at doses of 900 mcg per day. Toxicity from dietary sources is very rare. Symptoms may include depression, nervousness, emotional problems, nausea, and vomiting.
• Possible consequences of overdose:
• Individuals in industrial settings have been reported to suffer toxic symptoms of selenium overdoses, including liver disease and cardiomyopathy. Children raised in selenium-rich
• areas show a higher incidence of decayed, missing and filled teeth.
• Selenium is toxic in megadoses and may cause alopecia, loss of nails, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, sour-milk breath.

What to do:

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor. Also see Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

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