While minerals like calcium have been associated with helping to prevent osteoporosis, other minerals like selenium may be helpful as well. Osteoporosis can severely impact an individual's life, so reducing your risk and slowing down the progression of the condition is important. If you are at risk for osteoporosis or have the disease, talk with your doctor about taking selenium and whether it may be helpful to you.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition involving progressive loss of bone mass, which can lead to weakened bones and fractures. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), osteoporosis affects 28 million Americans. This disease can contribute to a loss of height and a rounded upper back, or "hump." There is not one known cause of osteoporosis, but many factors can contribute to its development, including heredity, nutrition and lifestyle, aging, medications and other illnesses. Taking calcium with vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercise can help prevent or slow down the condition, but there is no cure for osteoporosis.
Selenium
Selenium is a mineral necessary for health, but humans only need small amounts. The body uses selenium to make selenoproteins, which are antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage, says the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, beef, tuna, chicken breast, rice and walnuts. This mineral also helps support thyroid functioning and boosts the immune system. Adults typically need 55 mcg daily of selenium, with pregnant women needing 60 mcg and those who are breastfeeding requiring 70 mcg, states the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Selenium and Bones
A selenium deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, as selenoproteins are important compounds in bone metabolism, states a 2007 article in Science Direct's International Congress Series. Reduced antioxidant activity in individuals deficient in selenium may also contribute to loss of bone mass. Conversely, a 2011 article by D.C. Arikan et al, published in "Biological Trace Element Research" in 2011, found no correlation between serum selenium levels and bone density. While more research needs to be done, selenium supplementation in those lacking adequate amounts of the mineral may lower the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Considerations
If you have osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about whether selenium is safe and appropriate for your situation. Too much selenium can cause adverse effects, so do not take more of this supplement than advised. Supplementation with this mineral is not meant to be a cure for osteoporosis -- merely an addition to the treatment your doctor has already prescribed.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Osteoporosis; July 2007
- National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Selenium
- Science Direct; International Congress Series: Selenium Deficiency as a Putative Risk Factor for Osteoporosis; R Ebert and F Jakob; 2007
- PubMed.gov; "Biological Trace Element Research"; Plasma Selenium, Zinc, Copper and Lipid Levels in Postmenopausal Turkish Women and Their Relation to Osteoporosis; D.C. Arikan, et al; 2011
