Selenium

What is selenium?

Selenium is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts (a trace element), and forms an important part of the body's immune and antioxidant defences. Selenium must be supplied through the diet and is toxic in large quantities. Much research is being done on the possible health effects of selenium, including whether selenium can be protective against certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

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What does selenium do for the body?

Selenium is included in many antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase is one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants protect us against free radicals (harmful substances). Without selenium, glutathione peroxidase does not work.Selenium is also part of an enzyme that helps form a form of vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant.Selenium increases the antioxidant effect of vitamin E.Selenium prevents oxidation (rancidity) of polyunsaturated fatty acids.Selenium can protect against the harmful effects of heavy metals.

This is how selenium works

Selenium has been the subject of considerable research in recent decades, and new important functions of this mineral are constantly being discovered. Among other things, selenium is important for maintaining normal hair and nails. Selenium is also important for:

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• the antioxidant defense

• growth

• the immune system

Sources of selenium in the dietGood sources of selenium in the diet are cereal products, fish, shellfish, offal and meat.

Recommended daily intake of selenium

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• Children under 13 years: 20-40 µg.

• Women over 13 years: 50 µg.

• Men over 13 years: 60 µg.

• Pregnant women: 60 µg.

• Lactating: 60 µg.

µg=micrograms

The recommendations for children under 13 vary with age.

Breast milk contains the necessary minerals the child needs, so for children under 6 months who are fully breastfed, supplementation is not recommended unless a doctor or health nurse says otherwise.

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What happens with a lack of selenium?

Symptoms of selenium deficiency can be reduced immunity and severe selenium deficiency can, in the worst case, lead to weakening of the heart muscles.

What happens with too much selenium intake?Selenium is toxic in larger quantities. Selenium poisoning is characterized by, among other things, nausea, abdominal pain, changes in hair and nails, and nerve damage.

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Advice and guidance on the use of supplements with seleniumSelenium is found in most multi-vitamin-mineral supplements.Selenium is also available as a dietary supplement in combination with zinc and vitamin E. It can have a strengthening effect on the immune system.

ved dette mineralet. Blant annet er selen viktig for opprettholdelse av normalt hår og negler. Selen har også en betydning for:

• antioksidantforsvaret

• vekst

• immunsystemet