Selenium
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Food Science and Human Nutrition Program and Human Nutrition Program
Selenium is a cofactor of that release active in cells and therefore low levels can cause similar signs and symptoms as iodine deficiency. The other important function of selenium is as an .
Selenium Functions and Health Benefits
Around twenty-five known proteins require selenium to function. Some are enzymes involved in detoxifying and include glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductase. As an integral functioning part of these enzymes, selenium aids in the regeneration of glutathione and oxidized vitamin C. Selenium as part of also protects lipids from free radicals, and, in doing so, spares . This is just one example of how antioxidants work together to protect the body against free-radical induced damage. Other functions of selenium-containing proteins include protecting endothelial cells that line tissues, converting the inactive thyroid hormone to the active form in cells, and mediating inflammatory and immune system responses.
Observational studies have demonstrated that selenium deficiency is linked to an increased risk of cancer. A review of forty-nine observational studies published in the May 2011 issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that higher selenium exposure reduces overall cancer incidence by about 34 percent in men and 10 percent in women, but notes these studies had several limitations, including data quality, bias, and large differences among different studies.[1] Additionally, this review states that there is no convincing evidence from six clinical trials that selenium supplements reduce cancer risk.
Because of its role as a lipid protector, selenium has been suspected to prevent cardiovascular disease. In some observational studies, low levels of selenium are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, other studies have not always confirmed this association and clinical trials are lacking.
Figure 11.4 Selenium’s Role in Detoxifying Free Radicals
Dietary Reference Intakes for Selenium
The IOM has set the RDAs for selenium based on the amount required to maximize the activity of glutathione peroxidases found in blood plasma. The RDAs for different age groups are listed in Table 11.6 “Dietary Reference Intakes for Selenium”.
Table 11.6 Dietary Reference Intakes for Selenium
| Age Group | RDA Males and Females mcg/day | UL |
| Infants (0–6 months) | 15* | 45 |
| Infants (7–12 months) | 20* | 65 |
| Children (1–3 years) | 20 | 90 |
| Children (4–8 years) | 30 | 150 |
| Children (9–13 years) | 40 | 280 |
| Adolescents (14–18 years) | 55 | 400 |
| Adults (> 19 years) | 55 | 400 |
| *denotes Adequate Intake |
Selenium at doses several thousand times the RDA can cause acute toxicity, and when ingested in gram quantities can be fatal. Chronic exposure to foods grown in soils containing high levels of selenium (significantly above the UL) can cause brittle hair and nails