Selenium, a trace mineral, is required in small amounts for optimal health, according to the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. The mineral is found in water, soil and some foods, including salt-water fish, shellfish, and a variety of nuts, grains and vegetables. While selenium has many health benefits, it can be toxic at high levels. Deficiency is rare in the United States, and dietary supplementation requires monitoring by a medical professional.
Cancer Prevention
The Office of Dietary Supplements states that high blood levels of selenium may protect against death from certain types of cancer, including colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. In addition, rates of non-melanoma skin cancers are considerably higher than elsewhere in regions of the U.S. with low selenium soil content. Dietary supplementation with selenium also appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men with low selenium levels and normal baseline PSA levels. Selenium's antioxidant properties and potential ability to slow tumor growth may explain the lower incidence of cancer deaths in patients taking daily selenium supplements.
Heart Health
The Office of Dietary Supplements states that selenium may inhibit the oxidation of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease in some patients. The mineral also prevents the development of Keshan disease, a type of heart disease, and, according to the National Institutes of Health, reduces the risk of cardiomyopathy in patient's with Chagas' disease. This suggests a link between coronary heart disease and low selenium levels.
Arthritis Relief
Selenium may ease arthritis symptoms by managing levels of free radicals in the body, preventing them from harming healthy tissues. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients show reduced levels of selenium in their blood, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Oregon State University says that low selenium levels may increase the incidence of Kashin-Beck disease, a type of osteoarthritis that affects children.
Other Benefits
Selenium also plays a role in immune system functioning and thyroid regulation, and may help slow the progression of HIV. Selenium supplementation may also counteract the symptoms of asthma and dandruff and benefit patients suffering from pneumonia or bronchitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the National Institutes of Health. Moreover, the George Mateljan Foundation states that the mineral may play a role in treating and preventing acne, male infertility, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, eye disorders, sudden infant death syndrome, and Parkinson's disease.
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