Selenium

Selenium, Minerals, Enzyme, Immune system

What is selenium?

Selenium is a mineral that works as an antioxidant together with vitamin E. It also helps keep the male sperm and prostate gland healthy.

What selenium does for you

Selenium operates as co-factor to your antioxidant enzyme systems, protecting your cells from damage by neutralising free radicals, which have been linked to heart disease and some cancers. It also bonds with metals such as mercury and arsenic, preventing them from causing illness. Selenium keeps sperm and the prostate gland healthy in men.

How much selenium you need

No RDA has been established yet, but one guideline – set by the UK government – is for 75mcg daily, the equivalent of about five Brazil nuts. The range for supplemental intake is 50–200mcg a day. When selenium is bonded in an amino acid chelate as selenomethionine, it’s regarded as one of the best forms of supplement available.

Which foods have selenium?

Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, cashews and walnuts, fish such as tuna and sole, grains such as rice and wheat.

Signs of selenium deficiency

Low selenium levels appear to allow otherwise benign viruses to become active, leading to infections. Other signs of deficiency are dandruff, poor male fertility and prostate health, premature ageing and weak muscles.