Selenium is a mineral that is naturally found in the soil. It is a trace mineral also appearing in food rich in selenium. Natural water contains substantial amounts of the selenium mineral.
Selenium is very vital to the human body as it enhances immunity, selenium is also active in the antioxidant activities that is necessary in defending against inflammation and redical damage. Selenium also enhances a healthy metabolism in the body of human beings. The mineral is also useful in enhancing high fertility levels and reproduction in men and women by increasing the quality of blood flowing within the body. It reduces the risk of autoimmune, cancer and thyroid diseases.
Natural foods rich in selenium are liver, Brazil nuts, cod, eggs, tuna and seeds from the sunflower.
Deficiency in selenium is uncommon, although people suffering from the HIV and Crohn’s disease among other diseases show symptoms of selenium deficiency.
Consuming selenium of 400 micrograms and above is not healthy for the human body.
| Age | per day |
| 1-3 years | 20 |
| 4-8 years | 30 |
| 9-13 years | 40 |
| 14+ years | 55 |
| Pregnant women | 60 |
| Breastfeeding women | 70 |
In the human beings, the sources of selenium are the food sources, water and air. Selenium deficiency is directly linked to the increasing risk of mortality, cognitive decline and poor immune functions.
Supplements are necessary for people found with selenium deficiency, or for people wishing to stay healthy all the time. The physicians conduct a hair or blood test in establishing if an individual is suffering from selenium deficiency. Selenium deficiency is common with the malnourished communities.
Selenium has minimized side effects especially if taken under normal doses, an overdose of selenium may result in fever, bad breath, liver complications and nausea. Selenium toxicity or poisoning is rare, although can happen if an individual takes large amounts of selenium.
Selenium interacts with other supplements and medicines, such as chemotherapy drugs, antacids, niacin, corticosteroids, birth control pills and cholesterol lowering statin drugs.