Benefits Of “Selenium” Supplements
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| Benefits | Studies | Signs Of Deficiency |
Food Sources |
Herbal Sources |
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Seafood is a good
source of selenium. |
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| Solaray Selenium 200 MCG - 100 Capsules |
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| Solaray Selenium (Yeast Free) 100 MCG - 90 Capsules |
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| Nature's Plus Super Selenium 200 MCG - 90 Tablets |
Selenium stimulates the thyroid hormones, prevents buildup of fats in the blood vessels, prevents against certain cancers, enhances immunity and protects against heavy metal poisoning.
Selenium is used to treat allergies, asthma, anxiety, cancer, cataracts, gingivitis, heart attack, macular degeneration and rheumatoid arthritis.
This trace mineral appears to have similar functions to some of the antioxidant roles of vitamin E. All human tissues contain minute amounts of it, with the highest concentrations in the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testes. Other dietary minerals with antioxidant roles include copper, manganese, and molybdenum.
It is a major component of an enzyme called glutathione peroxides, which is thought to deactivate lipid (fat) peroxides.
STUDIES:
Researchers at the University of California in San Diego compared blood samples from one hundred eleven cancer patients with a matched group of cancer free volunteers, and they found that the cancer patients had significantly lower selenium levels that their healthy counterparts.
A study of people being fed intravenously found their immune system improved when they were given 200 micrograms of selenium daily for two months. Researchers in Wales, found that when dietary intakes of selenium went down, people reported feeling anxious, depressed, and tired more often. A daily supplement of 100 micrograms improved mood and anxiety levels.
Selenium is believed to play a role in maintaining muscles, specially the heart muscle. It may also protect against some liver damage caused by alcoholism. Other possible roles include ensuring proper growth and normal tooth development and preventing cataracts.
SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY:
The effects of selenium deficiency in humans are poorly documented and based mostly on epidemiological studies. A deficiency has been linked to growth abnormalities and generalized muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophy.
A selenium deficiency is most common in people who have intestinal disorders that hinder absorption.
Overdoses can produce nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, balding and abnormal nail development. In extreme cases, it can result in death.
Selenium supplements are not recommended for healthy persons and should be taken only under a doctors supervision. As with any dietary supplement, selenium supplements should be used in amounts typically recommended for nutritional purposes only.
FOOD SOURCES:
Asparagus, brown rice, garlic, mushrooms, soybeans, tuna, whole grains, pineapples and seafood.
HERBAL SOURCES:
The best herbal source of selenium is kelp. Herbs containing cancer fighting nutrients include alfalfa, buckthorn, burdock, chaparral, comfrey, and red raspberry.
