October
2007
Selenium
The name Selenium originated from the Greek word selen meaning the moon. Originally it was avoided due to reported toxic effects on grazing animals causing the animals to lose their hooves and hair. Since there a very few places in the world where the levels of Selenium reach toxic levels it was eventually traced to a couple of plant species that contained an unusually high concentration of Selenium. So naturally, anything grazing on these plants risk developing the distinct disorder. Selenium was discovered in the early 1800s by a Swedish scientist who noted the similarity of Selenium to sulfur. In supplement form Selenium has a smell many consider foul.
Due to its infamous reputation Selenium was given a wide berth to the point that pesticides containing Selenium might be hazardous to humans and livestock. It took until the 1950s before the nutritional benefits came to light when Selenium was found to act with Vitamin E, and amino acids that contained sulfur, in protecting the liver. From a cursed beginning Selenium climbed a few ladder rungs to essential status. As a trace element Selenium is one of the ten most common minerals and found in most foods depending on the actual amount in the soil. However, Selenium is easily destroyed by food processing so supplementing maybe considered optimum for that reason alone but Selenium has many more important properties.
Vitamin E and Selenium are considered synergistic, meaning the two work better together than on their own. Selenium has proven to prevent certain characteristics of Vitamin E deficiencies, and when a Selenium deficiency occurs it can be aggravated by too little Vitamin E. The antioxidant properties when Vitamin E and Selenium combine have proven to be cancer inhibitors. Together it is claimed that Selenium and Vitamin E act as a cofactor for an enzyme named Glutathione Peroxidase which breaks down toxic peroxides formed from polyunsaturated fats. The current RDA for Selenium is 200 micrograms per day. This is a good level for the average body but can be adjusted slightly to compensate for body size. Selenium can be toxic so large increases are not recommended.
The known benefits of Selenium appear to grow almost daily. Selenium helps protect against cancers by neutralizing some carcinogens in the food we eat and contributes heavily to sperm production as well as healthy reproductive tracts in both men and women. Selenium also improves oxygen utilization thus helping the heart and lungs while detoxifying heavy metals, possibly turning them and other carcinogens into easily removed inert matter. Much like Vitamin E, Selenium is said to improve the elasticity of tissues, muscles, skin, and arteries, and acts as an anti-inflammatory used in the treatment of arthritis. Selenium deficiency symptoms start with dandruff and decreased tissue elasticity but these and other symptoms maybe signs of other health problems also, it is usually best to consult with a doctor or qualified health professional if any bodily changes occur. For the most part though Selenium is vital for good all around health so check the label of the daily multi-vitamin you take and if your not getting the RDA of Selenium you might consider a supplement.