Selenium

Deficiency Symptoms: Chronic low selenium intake is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, cancer and depressed immune function. Selenium appears to provide protection against heart disease and stroke. Selenium supplementation (100 ugm/day) increases the ratio of HDL to LDL and inhibits platelet aggregation. Selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity are low in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and most inflammatory conditions. This is related to the increased synthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Immune system function is enhanced by selenium, by contributing to higher natural killer cell (NKC) activity. Natural killer cells have the ability to destroy cancer cells and bacterial and viral agents. Heavy metal toxicity symptoms may be alleviated by selenium, acting as an antagonist. Selenium deficiency may also contribute to male infertility.

Repletion Information: Selenium is safe at the level generally used for supplementation (100-200 mcg/day). However, taking more than 750 mcg of selenium per day may cause toxicity.

Reactions such as loss of fingernails, skin rash, and neurological aberrations. In the presence of iodine deficiency goiter, selenium supplementation has been reported to exacerbate low thyroid function.

Selenium is available in several different forms. Studies indicate that inorganic salts like sodium selenite are less effectively absorbed and not as biologically active as organic forms of selenium, such as selenomethionine or high-selenium content yeast.

Highest sources of dietary selenium are found in:

- Wheat Germ

- Bran

- Brazil Nuts

- Red Swiss Chard

- Whole Wheat Bread

- Oats

- Brown Rice

-Turnips

The adult RDA for selenium is 50ug/day.