Selenium is a mineral which is absorbed from the soil where crops are grown. So naturally, plants grown in soil which is low in selenium supply in some cases 1/10th the amount of selenium. Conversely, plants grown in selenium rich soil produce higher amounts of dietary selenium.

In the United States the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for selenium has been established at 55 mcg/day but the average American’s diet supplies about 100 mcg/day of this essential micronutrient. It is believed that most people do not need an additional supplement of selenium.

Unless…you believe the studies that have shown a reduced occurrence of liver cancer, hepatitis B, and prostate cancer when selenium is supplemented in 200mcg/day doses. Even human immunodeficiency virus seems to occur less often in parts of Africa where soil has more selenium. Well, those studies have not resulted in concrete recommendations only documented correlations.

No one doubts the benefit of selenium or its importance to cellular activities; it is after all an antioxidant. Like all antioxidants, selenium does help prevent cancer. The question seems to be one of whether or not supplementation is right for this particular mineral which can be toxic in high doses.

Well add to the confusion the fact that naturally occurring selenium in brazil nuts can be well above the safe upper limits established for this mineral. There are some high selenium yeasts which are also well above the upper limit. Would this diet be ill advised?

It seems unlikely that diet alone would provide too much selenium in most of the world at least not toxic levels. It also seems unlikely that the average dietary supplement would supply too much.

On the other hand it is not one of the antioxidants like vitamin C which can be taken in very high doses without dire consequences. Perhaps its best to remember that vitamin C is flushed from the body in excessive doses but selenium is stored. Also that selenium is a mineral whereas ascorbic acid is a water soluble phytochemicals. Both are needed by the human body but in vastly different amounts.

In the United States the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry addresses the issue of selenium in the environment. This agency lists occupational and environmental risks from industrial pollution. In general there does not seem to be much risk from most forms of selenium in most places. There does seem to be some risk from one form through breathed exposure.

Generally, there is little chance that a person in the United States could be truly Selenium deficient although on a global scale such deficiencies are common.

Deficiencies however are associated with serious disease and could be treated with oral selenium tablets or by injection. Some researchers are looking for answers to global selenium deficiencies through the use of enriched garlic and yeasts.

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