Selenium

Vitamins and minerals are important for the body and even minerals in trace amounts are essential. Selenium is needed in very small amounts by the body. If you are wondering: What is selenium? Here are some facts about selenium. Selenium is a nonmetal and related chemically to sulfur. Natural selenium sources occur in several organic forms and especially in the ores selenide, selenate and selenite. Other sources of selenium include lots of plants that receive their selenium from the ground in form of the water soluble selenate as well as meats from animals digesting selenium rich plant food and nuts. Should you still need more selenium in your diet, try a selenium supplement. Even other sources of selenium can include selenium yeasts. This form of selenium has been used in several large-scale cancer trials which have shown to lower the risk of developing prostate, lung and colorectal cancer.

Selenium is helpful in protein metabolism and in several enzyme processes in the body. Benefits of selenium in the body include regulation of the thyroid function as well as help with the immune function.

Selenium deficiency is very rare in the United States and Western Europe, but has been recorded more often in other less developed countries, where selenium in the soil is low. Some research suggests that selenium deficiency can cause some forms of heart disease and a weakened immune system. Selenium deficiency can make the body susceptible to illnesses by other essential nutrients and infectious sicknesses.

Another topic researched is HIV/aids and selenium. HIV patients often have a malabsorption of nutrients, including selenium. As just mentioned, selenium deficiency can make the body more susceptible to sicknesses and decrease the immune system efficiency. Minerals and nutrients like selenium that protect cells health and their stability in the body can help slowing down the progress of such diseases like HIV. All the issues related to the topic of HIV and selenium have not yet been completely investigated and research is still ongoing.

On the other hand there is also the problem of selenium overdoses. Selenium poisoning can cause a condition called selenosis. Symptoms of selenium toxicity include gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, white blotchy nails, fatigue, irritability and mild nerve damage. Selenium toxicity is very rare in the United States and Western Europe and is mostly related to industrial accidents or manufacturing problems.

Other selenium facts, information on selenium and selenium charts can be obtained from the Internet, medical providers as well as form the international mineralogy association.