Selenium is a trace mineral found in water, soil and some foods. Deficiency in most of the United States is rare, but it is fairly common in areas where soil content of the mineral is low, according to the National Institutes of Health. Plant foods grown in selenium-rich soul are the primary dietary source of selenium, but small amounts are found in some nuts, meats and seafood. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, alcoholics, and those with malabsorption disorders, liver disease, or who are undergoing kidney dialysis, are at increased risk of deficiency. Use of some medications, such as anticonvulsants, metformin and sulfasalazine, may also lead to deficiency.
Cancer
High blood levels of selenium may decrease the risk of death from some cancers, including lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Moreover, the rate of nonmelanoma skin cancer is considerably higher in areas of the United States with low soil selenium content, which may mean that selenium helps prevent the development of squamous and basal cell carcinomas. This protective action may be due to selenium's antioxidant properties. Selenium may also prevent or slow the growth of tumor cells, enhance immune cell activity and suppress the development of blood vessels that feed tumors. The National Institutes of Health states that supplementation with selenium may reduce prostate cancer risk among men with a normal baseline PSA and confirmed low selenium levels, and that supplementation appears to reduce the risk of cancer-related death more in men than in women.
Arthritis
Increasing intake of selenium may be beneficial to those suffering from arthritic conditions. The Arthritis Foundation states that low selenium levels are often found in patients with osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling and leads to increase loss of mobility. The Arthritis Research Campaign states that even mild selenium deficiency may be associated with a more rapid progression of arthritis in general. Selenium may help improve arthritis by reducing inflammation.
HIV/AIDS
Deficiency of selenium is associated with lower immune cell counts and may increase the progression of HIV and the death rate in the AIDS population, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The Linus Pauling Institute states that selenium may increase resistance to HIV by enhancing the action of T-cells and modifying their production of cytokines.
Lung Disorders
High plasma levels of selenium may be beneficial to a number of lung disorders, possibly due to the mineral's enhancement of the immune system and anti-inflammatory actions. Selenium supplementation may help improve asthma symptoms and promote recovery from bronchitis and pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, according to the National Institutes of Health.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Selenium
- National Institutes of Health: Selenium (Se)
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University: Selenium
- Arthritis Foundation: Can Your Nails Help Diagnose Arthritis or Osteoporosis?
- Arthritis Research Campaign: Diet and Arthritis
Member Comments