​Selenium: How It Affects the Body

Selenium (Se) is an important macro-element. For many years it has been considered a poisonous substance. Since the beginning of the XX century, with the active study of selenium attitude to it in the medicine has been revised. It was found that preparations containing selenium have multi-pronged prophylactic and therapeutic effect on the body.

Lack of selenium in the organism leads to disruption of vitamin E absorption. The products lose selenium during heat treatment in the case of poor soil, in which these products grew.

Selenium Daily Requirement

• Younger children: 10-15 mg.
• Adolescent children: 20-50 mg.
• Males: 70 mcg.
• Women: 55 mcg.

How Selenium Influences the Body

Selenium is known as an antioxidant. It protects the body from free radicals, along with vitamin E.

Selenium is involved in the synthesis of thyroid gland hormones that regulate metabolism.

This macro element protects against cardiovascular disease. It has anti-cancer effect, accelerates healing and resorption of necrotic area of myocardial infarction, promotes proper cell growth, strengthens the immune system.

Sources of Selenium

Largest percentage of selenium is found in seafood, especially marine fish. Selenium in large quantities can be found in whole milk, cream, lard and organ meats, olive oil and garlic.

In sufficient amounts selenium is found in vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains, provided that these products have been grown in ecologically clean areas and soil has been rich in minerals.

Selenium Deficiency Symptoms

Selenium deficiency in the body is uncommon. This macro-element is practically not absorbed when combined with carbohydrates (flour confectionery and sugar confectionery.)

The key elements of selenium deficiency in the body include: weakness, muscle pain. While developing cardiovascular disease, diseases of the pancreas, kidney, reduced immunity.

Signs of Selenium Excess

When selenium is excess in the body, it may experience the following symptoms:

• loss of hair and nails,
• peeling and yellow skin,
• nervous system disorders,
• tooth enamel damage,
• chronic fatigue,
• chronic skin disease dermatitis,
• loss of appetite,
• anemia,
• arthritis.