Selenium – it ’s an essential mineral that most of us probably do n’t give a 2d thought to , at least equate to the likes of calcium and branding iron . It is , however , vital to our functioning . Does that intend that it could have medical uses too ? Or can too much Se be a problem ?
What is selenium?
Selenium is a trace constituent that was discovered in1817 , and identify after Selene , the Greek goddess of the Moon . Itoccurs naturallyin the Earth ’s crust , but it does n’t quell there – Se can be found in melodic line , water , and soil .
As a upshot , atomic number 34 is also found in a whole master of ceremonies of intellectual nourishment reservoir ( and dietary supplement ) . It pass at particularly high levels in Brazil nuts , which , according to some sources , incorporate a whopping544 microgramsof selenium per 28 - gram ( 1 - ounce ) portion – that ’s 989 percentage of therecommended daily intakefor most multitude over the geezerhood of 14 ( more on that afterward ) .
Beyond that , atomic number 34 run to be at its high in beast products that are high in protein , such as seafood – yellowfin tuna andoystersare robust source – meats like pork barrel and boeuf , and poultry , include turkey and ball .
What role does selenium have in the body?
Though we only need a lowly amount of it , atomic number 34 is an essential mineral for human being . That ’s because it ’s a decisive constituent of selenoproteins , a group of protein that toy a identification number of important roles in the body , include : the production of DNA ; protect DNA from price ; regulatingthyroidfunction ; and replication .
Selenium ’s grandness in the body also means that not getting enough of it in your dieting can lead to wellness problems , though this israrein countries like the US . However , for people who live in region where there ’s not much selenium in the land , multitude with HIV , or mass undergoing long - term dialysis , there ’s an increase risk of severe selenium inadequacy and two special stipulation : Keshan disease and Kashin - Beck disease .
Keshan diseaseis a case of heart condition cognise as cardiomyopathy , and involves the expiry and scarring of the heart muscle , affect the heart ’s ability to effectively pump blood . Kashin - Beck disease , on the other hand , is a type of arthritis , with the degeneration of gristle causing pain , gibbousness , and loss of motion in the joint .
Does selenium have any medical uses?
Given the critical roles it trifle in the soundbox , it ’s a pretty logical footstep to then wonder if selenium could be applied in medicine .
Cancer
One course of instruction of investigating involves selenium ’s part in protect DNA from equipment casualty . When damaged DNA is entrust unrepaired , or is repaired incorrectly , it can lead to Crab ; and so , researchers have question if selenium treatment could be used to foreclose Crab by exploiting its protective role .
However , research carried out so far has been ineffectual to hold up that possibility . The most recent version of aCochrane reviewon the subject concluded that “ there is no grounds to suggest that increase selenium intake through dieting or supplement prevents cancer in humankind , ” although it did also note that further research needs to be done to determine if atomic number 34 can sham risk in people with “ a specific genetic background or nutritionary position ” .
Hypothyroidism
atomic number 34 subjunction is also being enquire as a room of forestall the progression of Hashimoto ’s disease ; this is a status that sees the immune system attack the thyroid gland , eventually leading to an hypoactive thyroid , known ashypothyroidism .
The panel ’s still out on whether or not selenium could be utilitarian here . While a recentsystematic review article and meta - analysisof 35 studies found that Se supplementation in patient with Hashimoto ’s disease evidence promise – it appeared safe , and slightly reduced the levels of a hormone that ’s normally bring up in this circumstance – it still concluded that the data was special , and more enquiry was needed to confirm its efficacy .
Dandruff
One field where atomic number 34 has a examine lead track record , though , is in treatingdandruff . atomic number 34 sulphide is a rough-cut fixings in anti - dandruff shampoo , as it cankill offthe fungus that causes the scalp to become fidgety and flaky .
Can you have too much selenium?
While having too little selenium can be a problem given its roles in the body , is there such a thing as experience too much Se as well ? The answer is yes – and it can be just as serious as not feature enough .
Taking in too much atomic number 34 can be astonishingly light to do , depending on where you get it from . One of the easiest ways to do so is by regularly wipe out Brazil testicle , which often contain anywhere between 68 to 91 micrograms of selenium in just one ball – that ’s between 123 to 165 percent of the commend day-by-day intake for selenium for most people over the historic period of 14 .
The National Institutes of Health send word theupper limitfor daily inhalation of Se – from all informant – is 400 micrograms for adults , so feed anything more than a few Brazil nuts in a day can well send you beyond both the commend amount and upper limitation .
Doing so on a regular basis can lead to what ’s sleep with as selenium toxicity or selenosis , the earlysymptomsof which are often a metallic predilection in the mouth and intimation that smell like garlic , postdate by changes to the hair andnails , like brittleness or loss . Chronic inlet of too much selenium can also lead to sickness and diarrhoea , temper change , and pelt blizzard , and in severe eccentric , difficultness ventilation , tremors , and even kidney unsuccessful person , nerve failure , and end .
The bottom line ? A small bit of Se = good . A daily dinner party of Brazil fruitcake , oysters , and tunny = definitely not good ( for more reasons than supernumerary selenium ) .
All “ explainer ” article are sustain byfact checkersto be correct at time of publication . Text , effigy , and links may be edit out , remove , or add to at a later engagement to keep information current .
The message of this clause is not intended to be a second-stringer for professional medical advice , diagnosing , or treatment . Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with question you may have regarding medical weather .
