Mineral - Selenium

Selenium a trace element functions as a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase or GPX which accounts for its antioxidant function and this is important to the prevention of diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Selenium and vitamin e work together to carry out antioxidant and immunostimulating functions.  Vitamin C aids in the absorption of selenomethionine and organic selenium containing yeasts, and is incorporated into the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX) which is vital for the protection of red blood cells, cell membranes and sub cellular components against undesirable reactions with soluble peroxides.

Selenium is also vital to other enzymes such as phospholipids hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) which protects membranes against peroxides already bound to membrane surfaces.  PHGPX blocks formation of the extremely harmful alkoxyl radical and inhibits peroxidative chain branching.  Selenium is also the component of an enzyme that is needed to produce the most active thyroid hormone T3 which is converted by a selenium - containing enzyme, Iodothyronine deiodinage fro pro hormone T4.

Best food sources of selenium include fish, shell fish, red meats, chicken, liver, grains, eggs, garlic, brewers yeast and wheat germ.

Deficiency is most likely to occur in areas where selenium soil levels are low and most likely can increase the chances of contracting the metabolic disease that it can prevent, such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, strokes, myocardial infarction, kidney disease, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, cervical dysplasia, alcoholism and infections.

Also selenium has been linked with Keshan disease and is likely a direct result of selenium deficiency.

Toxicity can be indicated by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of hair and nails, tenderness of the fingers, fatigue, irritability, skin lesions, tooth damage and decay and nervous system disturbances.

Organic selenium supplements, selenomethionine and selnocycsteine are better absorbed then inorganic forms.

There is no RDA for selenium at this time most recommended dosages are between 50 and 400 mcg/d.

Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in very small quantities. There are twenty two metallic elements in the body which make up about 4 percent of total body weight.

Minerals are found abundantly in the soil and water of the planet and eventually are taken in by the root systems of plants. Human beings obtain minerals by eating the plants or by eating the animals that eat the plants. If you eat a variety of meats and vegetables in your diet, you can usually depend on getting a sufficiency of minerals.

The minerals in the body play a part in variety of metabolic processes and contribute to the synthesis of such elements as glycogen, protein, and fats.

For the best sources of minerals please consult the USDA website.

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educational and informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a
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