Registered Users
Healthcare Professionals
Free Registration
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways and has been purported to contain potential health benefits. Specific dietary sources of selenium include most nuts, meats, poultry, seafood and whole grains.
Selenium is an antioxidant that may combat cell-damaging oxidative stress that has been linked to various conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
While there had been some attention as to the benefits of supplementing diets with selenium, however, the evidence at this stage suggests that selenium obtained from our foods may suffice. A study based on selenium intake in the Singaporean population found that dietary selenium amongst different races is sufficient and it is not necessary to supplement.
Current studies have produced mixed results on the use of selenium supplements in fighting diseases, with some studies showing that excessive levels of selenium may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, liver, kidney, thyroid dysfunction, cardiac complications and increase the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
More research is needed to determine the role and effects of selenium in prostate cancer, heart disease as well as to confirm any potential benefits in overall cancer incidence.
References:
- US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-selenium.html
- Serum Selenium in the general population of
| We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. |
