Selenium

Selenium;

Selenium is recognised as an essential Trace Mineral. One of the most effective Antioxidants in today's Nutrition, vital for the health of all living things..

Selenium is an essential trace element which is deficient in many soils in New Zealand.

A trace mineral essential to good health but required only in small amounts, Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are very important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system.

Plant foods, particularly Walnuts and Brazil Nuts, are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries throughout the world.

However the content of selenium in food depends on the selenium content of the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised. Researchers know that soils in the high plains of northern Nebraska and the Dakotas have very high levels of selenium whereas the soils in New Zealand and some parts of China and Russia have very low amounts of selenium.

Selenium is a trace mineral needed in the body in small amounts, about 200mcg per day. However, selenium is such a vital nutrient that if it is deficient an important enzyme pathway is blocked and body disfunction can occur. Selenium, along with Vitamin E, is involved in producing the enzyme, glutathionine peroxidase.

This powerful trace mineral acts like a 'mop' in neutralising damaging particles to the body. These particles are commonly known as free radicals. Selenium is also necessary for the production of prostaglandin's, substances that affect blood pressure. A prostaglandin deficiency also results in a deficiency of other compounds necessary for keeping the arteries free from platelet aggregation. Pancreatic function also depends upon selenium.

Here in New Zealand we are particularly susceptible to selenium deficiency as selenium is present only at low levels in our soil and thus levels are low in much of our food. Because selenium preserves tissue elasticity, a deficiency of selenium may lead to premature aging, or liver damage.

Selenium may also be beneficial for the following ailments: hypertension, stroke, Cystic fibrosis, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, infertility, cancer and circulatory disease.

There is evidence suggesting prolonged selenium deficiency produces cataracts. Also, research has shown that areas in the world with low soil levels of selenium have a higher incidence of cancer showing the relationship of this vital nutrient to the prevention of disease.

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