Selenium, Found in A Variety of Foods, May Have Many Health Benefits

_{By Alan Franciscus
Editor}

Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed in small daily amounts for proper health maintenance. Selenium is also believed to act as an antioxidant to fight viral infections and other diseases. Unfortunately, it has also been touted as a cure all for a variety of diseases from HIV to HCV and even cancer. Unfortunate because it raises false hopes and can be harmful if taken in large doses. Let me repeat this - selenium is not a cure for HCV and can be toxic if taken in high doses. However, some evidence does suggest that selenium can have many health benefits if taken in the proper dosage and under the guidance of a trained health care practitioner.

Selenium can be found in many foods. The amount of selenium in the soil varies from region to region and country to country, which impacts the amount of selenium available in the food we eat from plant and animal sources as well as in the water we drink. Good sources of selenium include grains, cereals, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, liver, butter, and most fish especially shellfish. Additionally, broccoli, tomatoes, radishes, Swiss chard, garlic and mushrooms are rich in selenium. Another excellent source can be obtained from the herb Astragalus which accumulates selenium from the soil. In the United States, regular and healthy meals tend to meet the nutritional requirements of selenium for healthy individuals.

Selenium toxicity is well known although debate continues on the amount needed to induce toxic effects. Toxicity can manifest as visual, muscular or heart problems, increased tooth decay, loss of hair or nails as well as nausea and fatigue.

Deficiencies are more common in areas with low concentrations of selenium in the soil. Selenium deficiencies can occur in association with an increased risk for certain diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, strokes, kidney and liver disease. In China, where selenium intake averages 10 to 15 mcg., a day, selenium deficiency occurs in association with Keshan disease, an endemic viral cardiomyopathy affecting children and young women in that country. Treatment with selenium in the form of Astragalus manages Keshan disease, but does not cure it.

Some evidence suggests that vitamin C may inactivate selenium in the stomach or small intestine if taking sodium slenite rather than the organic selenium, selenocysteine or selenomethione. On the other hand, Vitamin E is believed to increase selenium's effectiveness.

The July issue of The Lancet, a leading medical journal, reviewed data on selenium and its importance and potential in fighting disease. Highlights include:

• Hepatitis B or C - Selenium appears to be protective against disease progression to liver cancer.
• Immune function - Studies suggest that a deficiency of selenium can lead to a compromised immune system. Supplements of selenium have been shown to increase immune system response.
• Viral infection - Selenium plays a role in immune response to a viral infection and low selenium levels may influence infection and disease progression.
• Reproduction - Selenium is essential for male fertility. Some studies have suggested that supplementation with selenium may increase sperm stability and motility or movement.
• Mood - Selenium seems important for brain function. Some studies indicate that when selenium intake is marginal or low, mood changes, depression, anxiety, confusion and hostility may occur.
• Thyroid - A low intake of selenium may compromise thyroid-hormone metabolism.
• Cardiovascular disease - Selenium may be protective against cardiovascular disease.
• Cancer - Selenium deficiencies may be related to some cancers - notably lung, prostate and liver cancer.