Description
Selenium is a trace mineral element found in soil and foods. Selenium levels in food are directly related to soil selenium concentrations where that food was grown.
The primary function of selenium is to inhibit the oxidation of lipids. Teamed with vitamin E, selenium fights free radical damage and helps produce antibodies. Selenium is a component of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase which also works with vitamin E to prevent free radical damage to cell membranes.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Selenium can help prevent heart disease, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and cataracts. It may also help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a heart disorder that leads to heart failure or cardiovascular shock.
This trace mineral is important in protecting the immune system against carcinogens and some cancers and may also act as a cancer preventative. It has been used to help alleviate hot flashes and other situations related to menopause.
Selenium helps keep body tissues youthful and elastic and helps maintain a healthy heart and liver.
Source
Vegetarian sources of selenium include grains, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, brown rice and garlic.
Selenium can also be found in chicken, salmon, seafood, liver, beef and dairy products.
Optimal Absorption
One brazil nut daily will generally provide you with your daily recommended intake. Ideal supplemental forms of selenium include selenomethionine, selenium-rich yeast, and selenium chelate.
Absorption of selenium is affected by heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, et cetera) and possibly zinc and other trace minerals. Various chemotherapeutic drugs can interfere with selenium absorption. Commercial food processing also reduces selenium levels.
The following is a list of United States 1989 Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for minimum nutritional selenium intake and are included as a guideline only. These values are considered too low for most individuals, according to better nutrition authorities today. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with selenium.
Infants 0 - 5 months, 10mcg6 - 11 months, 15mcg
Children
1 - 3, 20mcg4 - 6, 20mcg7 - 10, 30mcg
Males
11 - 14, 40mcg15 - 18, 50mcg19 - 24, 70mcg25 - 50, 70mcg51+, 70mcg
Females
11 - 14, 45mcg15 - 18, 50mcg19 - 24, 55mcg25 - 50, 55mcg51+ years, 55mcg
Pregnancy
65mcg
Lactation
1st 6 months, 75mcg2nd 6 months, 75mcg
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Daily intakes greater than 1,000mcg can be toxic.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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