What Are The Benefits Of Having Selenium?

Found naturally in soil and water, selenium is a trace element that is also present naturally in foods such as Brazil nuts, wheat germ, raisins, sunflower seeds and garlic. Common reasons for supplementing selenium in the diet are for disease prevention, promoting mental health and combating prostate cancer.

Regulating Body Systems

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, selenium is a vital component in several "metabolic pathways." Promoting a strong immune system, selenium is also useful in regulating thyroid function.

According to Dr. George Obikoya, selenium plays a role in reducing "oxidative stress" in some diabetes patients, thereby slowing further complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy. Doctor Obikoya says that supplemental selenium may also be useful for relieving depression, confusion and anxiety in adults.

Purification

Selenium is a vital component of the antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," by Phyllis Balch, glutathionine peroxidase is responsible for seeking out harmful hydrogen peroxide in the body and converting it to water. The guardian of blood cells, selenium also helps to protect the heart, liver and lungs.

Disease Prevention

Selenium is an antioxidant component that works best in combination with Vitamin E to protect against cellular damage. In particular, selenium helps prevent the formation of cataracts on the eyes and even in the prevention of heart disease, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. He adds that supplemental selenium may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other secondary cancers.

Prostate Cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, scientists have become intrigued with the possibility that selenium can cut the risk of prostate cancer in half. Nevertheless, they state that selenium has not been adequately proven to prevent prostate cancer on its own. The Mayo Clinic also reports that a small study in 2007 showed that taking 200 micrograms a day of selenium may raise the risk of developing diabetes by 50 percent.

Precaution

According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," taking more than 1,000 micrograms or one milligram of selenium daily may be toxic to the body. For adults, Dr. Andrew Weil recommends following the daily Recommended Dietary Allowance of selenium, which is between 80 and 200 micrograms daily. He adds that taking vitamin E in combination with an organic form of selenium helps facilitate its absorption and effectiveness.