Selenium: A Mineral Powerhouse
As the population around the world continues to strip the soil of vital minerals, our bodies start to reflect a higher risk of deficiencies and ultimately disease. Quite possibly the most critical of these minerals is selenium.
Selenium is a powerful trace mineral critical for good health. Selenium is found in organ meats and many tree nuts like brazil nuts and also found in significant numbers in sunflower seeds, oatmeal and rice. In the body, selenium is converted into a protein called selenoprotein. This protein is of utmost importance due to its antioxidant capacity. This antioxidant is believed by many to be near the top of the antioxidant list. Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. These antioxidants from the selenoprotein may help prevent certain diseases like cancer and heart disease. Other selenoproteins work to regulate the thyroid and support the immune system.
In the U.S., most cases of selenium deficiency are associated with severe gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn’s Disease or Colitis. These and other digestive disorders can severely impair absorption.
Researchers with Vitamins Et Meneraux Antiocydants out of France, set up a study to determine the effect of vitamins and mineral supplements on chronic disease. What they found was a direct relationship between selenium deficiency and goiters, which is a enlargement of the thyroid. So there appears to be a protective effect of selenium and thyroid health. Other studies indicate high blood levels of selenium may lower mortality from lung, colorectal and prostate cancers. Also in areas of the U.S. where there are lower concentrations of selenium in the soil, there appears to be a higher concentration on non melanoma skin cancer. The U.S. recommended Dietary Allowance for adults is 80-200 mg/day.