Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium
Selenium
Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal with properties that are intermediate between the elements above and below in the periodic table, sulfur and tellurium, and also has similarities to arsenic. It rarely occurs in its elemental state or a…
What is the danger of too much selenium in the body?
Too much selenium can also cause diarrhea and nausea, skin rashes, skin lesions, irritability and fatigue . In rare and serious cases, selenosis can also cause kidney failure, cardiac failure and death. Selenium occurs naturally in small amounts in foods, with the exception of Brazil nuts, which contain an abnormally high amount of the mineral.
What are the side effects of taking selenium?
What are the side effects of taking selenium?
- Diarrhea.
- fingernail weakening.
- garlic odor of breath and sweat.
- hair loss.
- itching of skin.
- nausea and vomiting.
- unusual tiredness and weakness.
What foods are high in selenium?
Foods high in selenium include Brazil nuts, tuna, oysters, pork, beef, chicken, tofu, whole wheat pasta, shrimp, and mushrooms. The current daily value (DV) for selenium is 55μg (micrograms). It is important to note that the amount of selenium in any product varies greatly by the amount of selenium in the soil in which it was produced/grown ...
Does selenium aid weight loss?
The mineral selenium has many health benefits and is essential for healthy thyroid function. Among other things, your thyroid helps regulate your weight. Studies suggest that taking a selenium supplement or getting more of the mineral from your diet might promote fat loss.
See more
What are the symptoms of selenium deficiency?
What are the symptoms?infertility in men and women.muscle weakness.fatigue.mental fog.hair loss.weakened immune system.
Can you take selenium everyday?
When taken by mouth: Selenium is likely safe when taken in doses less than 400 mcg daily, short-term. But selenium is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. Taking doses above 400 mcg daily can increase the risk of developing selenium toxicity.
What are the dangers of selenium?
Side EffectsDiarrhea.fingernail weakening.garlic odor of breath and sweat.hair loss.itching of skin.nausea and vomiting.unusual tiredness and weakness.
What is the best time to take selenium?
When taking selenium, it does not matter at what time of day selenium is taken. However, if you have problems with your stomach, you should take selenium in combination with a meal.
Does selenium help you sleep?
Researchers found that individuals who consume enough selenium have a significantly lower risk of having difficulty falling asleep. A study looking at nutrition and sleep found that selenium was associated with a 20% lower risk of having difficulty falling asleep.
Can selenium cause weight gain?
Chemist Wayne Chris Hawkes prepares to test a rice sample from China for selenium content. Meals rich in selenium may slow the rate at which your body burns calories, ARS researchers report. This preliminary result is based on a 4-month study of 11 healthy men.
What foods are highest in selenium?
Brazil nuts, seafoods, and organ meats are the richest food sources of selenium [1]. Other sources include muscle meats, cereals and other grains, and dairy products.
Can I take zinc and selenium together?
No interactions were found between selenium and Zinc.
Can I take selenium and magnesium together?
Selenium combined with magnesium is a promising therapeutic strategy with lipid-lowering and antioxidative effects that protects the liver against hyperlipidemia.
How long does it take for selenium to work?
In the untreated Hashimoto's group, selenium supplementation resulted in a decrease in TPOAb levels after three months, but not after six or 12 months, while TgAb decreased at three months, but not at six or 12 months.
Is selenium good for hair?
Selenium has many benefits for hair, including: Selenium kills dandruff-causing fungus, which is why it's an important ingredient in many dandruff treatments. Selenium is essential for the production of the thyroid hormones that help to regulate hair growth, says health author Mary Shomon.
Does selenium help with weight loss?
In a study of more than 3,200 people, those who consumed less selenium from their diet had a higher body mass index (BMI). Researchers also noted that every 0.45 mcg/pound/day (1 mcg/kg/day) increase in dietary selenium corresponded to a 3–6% decrease in body fat ( 8 ).
What are the health conditions that are associated with low selenium levels?
But some health conditions -- such as HIV, Crohn's disease, and others -- are associated with low selenium levels. People who are fed intravenously are also at risk for low selenium. Doctors sometimes suggest that people with these conditions use selenium supplements.
What is the best source of selenium?
Good natural food sources of selenium include: Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts. Many fresh and saltwater fish, like tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring. Beef and poultry.
What foods contain selenium?
Good natural food sources of selenium include: 1 Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts 2 Many fresh and saltwater fish, like tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring 3 Beef and poultry 4 Grains
Where is selenium found in 2021?
Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on March 26, 2021. Selenium is a mineral found in the soil. Selenium naturally appears in water and some foods. While people only need a very small amount, selenium plays a key role in their metabolism.
Can selenium cause nausea?
Taken at normal doses, selenium does not usually have side effects. An overdose of selenium may cause bad breath, fever, and nausea, as well as liver, kidney and heart problems and other symptoms. At high enough levels, selenium could cause death. Interactions.
Does selenium interact with other drugs?
Selenium may also interact with other medicines and supplements, such as some antacids, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, niacin, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, and birth control pills. Skin cancer.
Does selenium help with cancer?
Evidence that selenium supplements may reduce the odds of prostate cancer has been mixed, but most studies suggest there is no real benefit. Selenium does not seem to affect the risk of colorectal or lung cancer. But beware: some studies suggest that selenium may increase the risk of non- melanoma skin cancer.
What are the benefits of Selenium?
Top 8 Selenium Benefits. 1. Acts as an Antioxidant and Defends Against Oxidative Stress. Selenium benefits include the ability to fight the aging process and help the immune system by reducing free radical damage.
Why is Selenium important?
It’s needed to fight oxidative degradation of cells and protect against mutation and DNA damage that can cause disease. 2. May Help Defend Against Cancer. Selenium benefits are especially helpful if you have a weak immune system or a history of cancer in your family.
How much Selenium is in a day?
Adults and children 14 and up: 55 micrograms/day. Pregnant women: 60 micrograms/day. Breastfeeding women: 70 micrograms/day. In supplement form, selenium is available in the form of selenomethionine and selenium selenite. Selenomethionine is usually easier for most people to digest and absorb properly.
Why is glutathione reductase important?
Because it both increases antioxidant capabilities and the quality of blood flow, it can help to enhance resistance against diseases and effects of stress.
What is the best source of selenium?
Whole foods are the best sources of selenium, especially when these foods are handled and prepared in a delicate way, since the mineral may be destroyed during processing and very high-heat cooking methods.
Does selenium help with inflammation?
Its ability to fight oxidative stress and and inflammation are thought to be due to different types of selenoprotein found in selenium. Among healthy people in the U.S., a selenium deficiency is believed to be uncommon.
Does selenium help with Hashimoto's disease?
For these reasons, selenium benefits are also being investigated to see if they can help patients with Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease and in pregnant women with anti-TPO antibodies. 6. May Help Increase Longevity.
What are the sources of selenium?
A wide range of foods are rich in selenium, and among these, Brazil nuts are by far the most significant source. Following this, various animal foods are excellent sources – particularly organ meats and shellfish. For a full guide to the top 20 food sources of selenium, see this article.
How many people are deficient in selenium?
Sadly, selenium deficiency is a growing problem, and estimates put the global number of selenium-deficient people at one billion ( 2, 3 ). Since selenium is such a powerful mineral, we only need trace amounts to maintain good health, and excessive amounts can quickly lead to toxicity. On this note, the reference daily intake (RDI) ...
What is the most important mineral in the soil?
Selenium is one of the essential minerals, and we need to obtain these nutrients from our diet. The amount of selenium in food depends on the selenium concentration of the soil, and this can vary both regionally and internationally ( 1 ).
When is Selenium 2020?
July 23, 2020. February 14, 2019 by Michael Joseph. Last Updated on July 23, 2020 by Michael Joseph. Selenium is an essential mineral that has a wide range of important functions for human health. Unfortunately, selenium is also one of the most common deficiencies around the world.
Does selenium help with mercury?
The converse is also true, and selenium can help eliminate mercury and reduce its bioavailability in the body ( 17 ). Either way, a higher intake of selenium likely lessens the detrimental effects of mercury. Key Point: It is likely that a higher intake of dietary selenium can reduce the harmful effects of mercury exposure.
Is selenium good for older adults?
A further potential benefit of selenium is the role it may play in preserving cognitive health, particularly in older adults. However, the evidence for this is mixed and inconclusive. Firstly, studies show that low levels of selenium are associated with cognitive decline and reduced cognitive function ( 42, 43 ).
Is glutathione a master antioxidant?
Glutathione is otherwise known as the body’s “master antioxidant,” and it plays a crucial role within the immune system ( 19 ). In particular, it appears that selenium may have beneficial properties for fighting viral infections ( 20 ).
What is the benefit of selenium?
1. Selenium Is A Powerful Antioxidant. [ 5] Antioxidants are substances that slow or prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. Selenium works as a powerful antioxidant in the body, protecting against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Why is selenium important?
It is critical to many of our basic physiological functions, including protecting cells from oxidative stress and helping the thyroid produce hormones. It is found in many selenium-rich fruits and vegetables and some animal products. To say that selenium is important is an understatement.
Which gland produces the most selenium?
The thyroid is a gland in the throat that produces hormones that affect growth and metabolic processes. Compared to other tissue in the human body, the thyroid contains the most selenium per gram. [ 8] Like iodine, selenium plays an important role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Is selenium a mineral?
We do know that selenium is an essential mineral that’s crucial to many bodily functions. Natural sources, like fruits and vegetables, are the best way to incorporate selenium into your diet.
Does low selenium affect fertility?
Studies have found that low selenium can also have a negative impact on female fertility and fetal growth. [ 4] There seems to be a link between selenium deficiency and miscarriage, but more research is necessary to determine the exact mechanism. [ 19] 7. Selenium and Cancer.
Does selenium help with cognitive decline?
One study revealed that selenium levels decline with age and low selenium contributes to cognitive decline in older adults. [ 13, 14] There is great interest in determining whether selenium supplementation can slow age-related mental impairment.
Is selenium a treatment for cancer?
[ 20, 21] Although this is an interesting tidbit of information, it shouldn't be interpreted as an implication that selenium is a treatment or method of prevention for cancer. While selenium has many benefits, there is not conclusive evidence to call it a viable treatment option.
What are the benefits of Selenium?
Selenium has a wide array of health benefits, including its ability to protect against certain heart diseases, boost the strength of the immune system, maximize thyroid function, reduce inflammation, reduce the signs of premature aging, protect against antibodies, boost hair health, and balance your hormones.
Why is selenium important?
Studies have shown that selenium is important in the stimulation of antibodies, which are elements of the immune system that seek out and destroy viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan foreign bodies that result in diseases and infections. It is said to help stimulate these antibodies, particularly after you receive a vaccination for one of these diseases, making your body resilient and experienced in fighting them off so you remain healthy and protected throughout your life. [6]
Why is selenium important for the immune system?
Studies have shown that selenium is important in the stimulation of antibodies, which are elements of the immune system that seek out and destroy viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan foreign bodies that result in diseases and infections.
Does Selenium help with eczema?
Selenium has been shown to reduce oxidative stress that often occurs around joints and bones, manifesting into the various inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, lupus, eczema associated pain, and weakness.
Does selenium help with sperm motility?
Selenium is linked with promoting sperm motility and increasing the blood flow in the body. A 2017 research suggests that it could play a role in enhancing sperm health and male fertility. [10]
Does Selenium help with arthritis?
Selenium has been shown to reduce oxidative stress that often occurs around joints and bones, manifesting into the various inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, lupus, eczema associated pain, and weakness. By reducing the inflammation at these vital hinges of your body, you can remain active, healthy, and pain-free for many years. [7]
Is selenium a cancer preventative?
A 2013 review study in the Nutrients journal, showed that in addition to its potential as a cancer preventative agent, selenium may also prove to be an anti-metastatic element, thus aiding in the later stages of cancer progression. [3] A bowl filled with brazil nuts Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
What is the role of selenium in the body?
As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium has structural and enzymic roles, in the latter context being best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone.
What is the importance of selenium?
The essential trace mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium has structural and enzymic roles, in the latter context being best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system, ...
Why is selenium important for sperm?
It is required for sperm motility and may reduce the risk of miscarriage. Deficiency has been linked to adverse mood states.
Does selenium help with cancer?
Findings have been equivocal in linking selenium to cardiovascular disease risk although other conditions involving oxidative stress and inflammation have shown benefits of a higher selenium status. An elevated selenium intake may be associated with reduced cancer risk.
Is selenium a trace mineral?
As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium has structural and enzymic roles, in the latter context being best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone. Selenium is needed f …. The essential trace mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium ...
How much selenium is good for people?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults and children aged older than 14 years is 55 mcg. Doctors usually recommend taking an organic form of selenium, such as yeast-bound selenium or selenomethionine.
What is selenium toxicity?
Selenium toxicity is an uncommon side effect in the United States, but high amounts of selenium in the blood can cause selenosis, which is a condition with symptoms, such as:
Top What Is Selenium Good For in the Body Related Articles
What are essential amino acids? Learn the best foods for essential amino acids.
What Is Selenium?
Top 8 Selenium Benefits
- What are the health benefits of taking selenium? Here’s more about the roles that this essential mineral has:
Supplements and Dosage
- Selenium is a trace mineral, meaning we only need a small amount of selenium from our diets each day. However, the body is able to flush it out of your system somewhat quickly since it plays an actionable role in many important body functions — therefore it’s important to consume it regularly. It’s particularly important maintain normal selenium levels as you age in order to take …
Foods
- Whole foods are the best sources of selenium, especially when these foods are handled and prepared in a delicate way — since this mineral may be destroyed during processing and very high-heat cooking. What food is highest in selenium? That would be Brazil nuts. Just one Brazil nut provides more than 100 percent of the recommended daily value of selenium (roughly 68 to 91 …
Deficiency
- Certain groups of people are more likely to be deficient in selenium due to factors like a poor diet and trouble with absorption. There are actually four naturally occurring types of this trace mineral. The four natural states of selenium are: 1. elemental selenium 2. selenide 3. selenite 4. selenate Two types, selenate and selenite, are found predominantly in water, whereas the other two type…
Risks and Side Effects
- Is it safe to take selenium every day? Taken at normal doses, it does not usually have negative side effects. What are possible side effects of taking selenium? An overdose of selenium (selenium toxicity) may possibly cause reactions like bad breath, fever, nausea and potentially liver complications — or even kidney and heart problems — although these only occur at very hig…