Antioxidants are studied widely, and the mineral and antioxidant selenium has been studied in conjunction with vitamin E in the fight against cancer. An antioxidant is a chemical that, when present in the body, attacks toxins known as free radicals. These toxins cause disease. Selenium is also involved in the workings of the thyroid and the functioning of the immune system. Very little selenium is needed for the body to work properly, so a multivitamin's dosage is usually enough. If you are planning on using a supplement, talk to your doctor first.
Function
Selenium can be used against many diseases, but because it is a trace element in the body, overdoses can be toxic. The studies into selenium and heart disease are disappointing, but it does seem to have some protective affects where cancer is concerned, especially prostate cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Researchers have also studied it in conjunction with HIV, immune function, asthma, male infertility and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosages
Using dosages of selenium of more than 200 mcg per day for an extended period of time has been shown to lead to higher incidences of diabetes. If you are considering taking a supplement, you should not exceed the recommended dosages. For adults 19 and up, the recommended dose is 55 mcg per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The Linus Pauling Institute cites a study published in the "British Journal of Urology International" in which men took 200 mcg per day to prevent prostate cancer, but this is only under the guidance of a physician.
Sources
Selenium is present in a well-balanced diet. The best sources of this nutrient include organ meats, such as liver, and seafood. Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, butter, garlic, whole grains and sunflower seeds are also high in selenium. The level in food is often affected by the amount of selenium in the soil in which a plant was grown. Processed foods also tend to have lower levels of selenium than foods that are raw or whole, such as whole grain breads.
Side Effects and Interactions
Taking excessive selenium can cause high cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It also interacts with certain medications. If you take blood thinners, such as warfarin, selenium might make your bleeding time increase. Medications such as cisplatin, clozapine and valproic acid can reduce your selenium levels. Selenium might also reduce the effectiveness of popular statin drugs, such as simvastatin, which are used to control cholesterol levels.
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