Background

Selenium is an essential trace element for humans and other animals.

Selenium is incorporated into molecules of an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase (GPX). This vital enzyme protects red blood cells and cell membranes against undesirable reactions with soluble peroxides.

The dependence of glutathione peroxidase on nutritional selenium clarifies the antioxidant role of this essential micronutrient. Good selenium nutrition is of key importance for antioxidant defense as well as efficient energy metabolism.

Research is currently being conducted on the protective effects of Se in humans against :

• aging
• certain types of cancer
• heart disease
• cataract
• arthritis
• Alzheimer disease
• HIV infection
• etc...

Recommended selenium supplementation in humans: 50-200 mg /day.

Recommended source of selenium uptake for humans: L-(+)- selenomethionine.

L-(+)- selenomethionine is natural, stable, better absorbed than other forms of (inorganic) selenium (like sodium selenite or selenate etc.)

For more information:

Articles :

• Schrauzer in J. Nutr. 130: 1653-1656 (2000).
• Julian E. Spallholz "Selenium and The Prevention of Cancer, Part I: Evidence for the Carcinostatic Activity of Se Compounds"
• Julian E. Spallholz "Selenium and The Prevention of Cancer, Part II: Mechanisms for the Carcinostatic Activity of Se Compounds"

Selenium Forum internet http://www.selenium.org/ and/or http://www.stda.be/ (Selenium-Tellurium Development Association)