vitamins deficiency symptoms

Selenium decrease the risk of cancer

Selenium is part of an important antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase. Selenium is also found in another antioxidant, selenoprotein P. Recent researches have shown that selenium can be a powerful cancer-prevention supplement. Several studies show that supplementation with selenium decrease the risk of colon and prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the risk of one type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) was found to be increased by selenium supplementation. Selenium may also help protect us against heart disease. It also helps our immune system work effectively and helps remove heavy metals such as lead from our body. Vitamin E works better and longer in our body when we have plenty of selenium. All that makes selenium pretty important for a mineral we need only in micrograms.


seleniumDeficiency of selenium is uncommon, but may occur in those with poor diets, those who live in areas where the soil is depleted in selenium, Crohn’s disease, and malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease). Selenium deficiency symptoms are muscular weakness and wasting, cardiomyopathy (infl ammation of the heart), pancreatic damage, and impaired immune function.

Selenium food sources

Natural sources of selenium are whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, spaghetti noodles, ground beef and canned tuna. Fruit and vegetables grown in selenium-rich soil also contained selenium.

Selenium side effects and toxicity

Doses of over 1000 mcg/day of selenium can be toxic. Even at doses greater than 400 mcg/day it can occur hair and nail brittleness and loss, upset stomach, skin rash, fatigue, and irritability Symptoms of toxicity can include also vomiting and diarrhea, and skin problems.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Related Posts

  1. Selenium and cancer
  2. Selenium food sources and supplements
  3. Calcium benefits and deficiency symptoms
  4. Iodine deficiency

May 15, 2009 | Filed Under Selenium 

Comments

Got something to say?

You must be logged in to post a comment.


    • Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes