Role Of Selenium

Selenium is an essential micro element required in the body. It is a well known antioxidants and work with vitamin E.

Role in the Body

Selenium helps in normal functioning of liver. It protects the body from free radicals and toxins.

It maintains health of hair, eyes and skin. It is important to consume this mineral daily for maintaining healthy sight. Selenium aids in treatment of cataract. The mineral acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent inside the body.

Due to its antioxidant abilities, it is believed to help in prevention of cancer development. It boosts immunity and aids in daily detoxification of the body.

Medicinally, the mineral is used in treatment of angina, high blood pressure and arthritis. It is a key ingredient in many dermatological preparations to treat problems of nails, hair and skin.

Selenium is not just useful to humans but is also used for treating cancer, male infertility, liver diseases and nutritional muscular dystrophy in animals.

Dosage and Sources

Daily supplementation of selenium must not exceed 200 microgram. Selenium supplements are available in form of selenium-rich yeast and sodium selenite.

Natural sources of selenium include cereals, fish, shellfish, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, organ meats and muscle meats. Organic sources of selenium should be preferred over inorganic. These help the body to absorb the mineral better.

Health care experts suggest supplementation of vitamin E with selenium. The combination is necessary for production of ubiquinone. The combination also helps in bringing relief from angina in a better way than either of the ingredients alone.

Together, these protect body from excess UV damage, boosting immunity especially in children and improving health of sex organs.

Symptoms of Excess Intake

The daily intake should be strictly monitored since the mineral is required only in trace amounts by the body. In excess, it causes dental caries in children. In adults it may cause hair loss, abnormal nails and skin depigmentation. It may even lead to development of garlic like odor in mouth.

Deficiency

Selenium deficiency is common in people who consume too much of processed and refined foods. Infants may develop the deficiency if they are given dry milk instead of breast milk.