What is it
Selenium is an oligomieral with antioxidant activity in synergy with other molecules. It plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Food sources
High availability is found in selenium-rich foods such as cereals, cheeses, meat, fish and seafood.
Varying amounts are also found in other foods that contain selenium: legumes, fruits and vegetables depending on the levels of selenium contained in the growing media.
Effects
In association with vitamin E, selenium acts as an antioxidant by hindering the formation of free radicals.
Among other functions, selenium contributes to the protection of the cardiovascular system, the inhibition of abnormal cell growth, the production of antibodies and the strengthening of immune defenses.
To learn more about natural antioxidants read this article.
Deficiency
Any selenium deficiencies (it is a mineral salt that is easily lost during the cooking phases of food) determine the onset of problems related to aging such as cardiovascular diseases, lower resistance to infections, skin diseases, vision disorders.
Recommended doses
The recommended selenium intake levels for adults are 55 mcg/day, while for the growing child they are only 0.2 mcg/day.
During breastfeeding, an increase in intake of 15 mcg/day is recommended.
Precautions
Doses greater than 400 micrograms per day can cause an intoxication called selenosis. The symptoms can be different: degeneration of skin appendages such as hair and nails, diarrhea, fever, vesicular dermatosis, neurological disorders (paresthesias, paresis) and, more rarely, liver damage.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.