In recent years, the value of the
trace mineral selenium to overall health and well being has come
to light. Numerous important health benefits have come to be associated
with maintaining sufficient levels of selenium in the body, and
recent research indicates that this mineral can play an important
role in protecting the body from serious disease and illness.
Selenium is especially important
in the body’s ongoing battle
against free radical damage. In the body, selenium is the
source of selenoproteins, which are essential anti-oxidant
enzymes and
are important to protecting the cells from the damage that
unchecked free radicals can do. Some research has associated
free radicals
with certain types of heart disease and cancers.
In addition to their important
role in the control of free radical damage, selenoproteins
also serve to strengthen the body’s
natural immune system and also helps to produce anti-bodies. Selenium
has also been found be involved in helping to keep the thyroid
functioning at peak levels. The thyroid is responsible for many
aspects of health, including the body’s metabolism. Some
studies indicate that selenium can be useful in the treatment
of acne and still other research indicates that it may be
useful in
repairing chromosome damage. It is thought to counteract
heavy metals and other contaminants that find their way into
the body,
as well as to help in the prevention of unwanted and dangerous
blood clots.
Deficiency in selenium can have a variety of significant health
consequences. Indeed, researchers have found three debilitating
diseases that are directly related to serious selenium deficiency.
These include Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism, which leaves the
victim severely and irreversibly mentally retarded, Keshan Disease,
which leaves selenium deficient children with an enlarged heart
that often does not function properly, and Kashin-Beck Disease,
which causes osteoarthropathy.
The amount of selenium provided by plant sources depends a good
deal on the quality of the soil the plants were grown in. Thus,
poor soil will yield plants that may not provide the expected levels
of this important mineral. That means that those who follow a vegetarian
diet, particularly a vegan diet, which uses no animal products
whatsoever, must be especially vigilant in making sure that they
consume enough selenium in their daily diets. A dietary supplement
that contains selenium is a safe and sure means of seeing to it
that the diet is not lacking in this important nutrient.
Selenium is a trace mineral, which means that the body needs relatively
small amounts of it. In the same way that too little can cause
serious health problems, taking too much selenium can also cause
health problems. Large amounts can be toxic, and selenium supplements,
like any other dietary supplement or medication should be kept
well out of the reach of children at all times.
Dietary supplements have an important role in overall health and
well being, but they must be treated with the respect that their
powerful properties demand. Always take supplements according to
the accepted dosage recommendations, unless you have specific and
personalized alternative dosage instructions from a qualified health
care provider.
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