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| Selenium is absorbed fairly easily in the upper portion of the GI tract. While deaths are rare, low selenium intakes are often seen in countries where the soil is depleted of selenium. The selenium contained in grains and meat is associated with proteins. The selenium in drinking water is usually in the form of inorganic sodium selenate and sodium selenite, which are also easily absorbed in the digestive tract. The antioxidant properties of selenium are related to this interaction as well as its active selenoprotein involvement in glutathione metabolism. These activities have made selenium one of the key players, albeit in trace amounts, in antioxidant, anti-aging, and immune enhancing products. There are many ongoing research projects investigating selenium, as well as other antioxidants, for the ability to slow the growth of various cancers. Organic forms include selenomethionine, selenocysteine, amino acid chelates, yeast, and kelp-bound selenium. Some experts believe that vegetarians may not be getting enough selenium unless supplemented. This compares to a range of 60 to 200mcg across the U.S. with 125mcg being average. Reasons For Use Selenium is useful in the prevention of several cancers. Your local Naturopath should be familiar with this protocol. The normal intake of selenium in food, about 50-150mcg per day, is enough to meet the daily need for this essential nutrient. Selenium compounds can be harmful, however, at daily levels that are only somewhat higher than needed. The National Academy of Sciences' Food and Nutrition Board has stated that a daily intake of between 50 to 300mcg of selenium is "safe and adequate". Therapeutic doses often range from 200 to 400mcg daily. The current USRDA recommendation is between 50 and 200mcg of selenium. These health effects were seen in several villages in the People's Republic of China where people were exposed to foods high in selenium for months to years. No populations in the United States have been reported with symptoms of serious, long-term selenium poisoning. |