SELENIUM Q & A

W hat i s sel e ni um? Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is found naturally in soil. The human body is dependent on selenium, yet cannot produce it on its own. W he re d oe s s ele ni um c o me fr om a nd c a n we get e no ugh fro m o ur d iet? Foods that contain selenium include meat, seafood, dairy foods, whole grains, nuts (particularly Brazil nuts), red Swiss chard, turnips, garlic and orange juice. Since selenium is unevenly distributed in the earths crust, the amount of selenium in the soil varies around the globe, which makes our reliance on food sources difficult if not impossible to measure. W hat hea lth be ne fit s ar e as s oci ate d wit h s ele ni um? Selenium is an important antioxidant that can protect cells against damage from free radicals. Additionally, selenium has been found necessary for several important biological processes, including immune response and thyroid function. In 2003, the Food Drug Administration (FDA) released limited and inconclusive evidence that connects selenium with the possible riskreduction of certain cancers, such as lung, colorectal, prostate and skin. W hat i s t he re co m me nde d dai ly int a ke? The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance for selenium is 55 micrograms per day, with daily intake to not exceed 400 micograms from all sources. However, the Journal of American College

Nutrition reports that 55 micrograms is less than one half of the amount considered optimal to
obtain all the benefits of selenium. W hat typ e s of d ieta ry s el enium s uppl e me nt s ar e t he re? Selenium supplementation can ensure that individuals are receiving at least the minumum recommended daily allowance. The two general types of selenium supplements available to consumers are organic and inorganic forms. These terms have a very specific chemical meaning and have nothing to do with organically-grown foods. In chemistry, organic means a substances chemical structure includes carbon. Inorganic chemicals have no carbon atoms. W hic h is be st o r ga nic o r ino r ga nic s el enium? Organic forms of selenium, such as selenomethionine, are selenium bound to methionine, an essential amino acid. The selenomethionine form of selenium rapidly metabolizes within the body to yield high bioavailability and retention. The inorganic forms of selenium, selenite and selenate, are essentially selenium atoms bound to oxygen. Some research suggests that these forms are difficult for the body to absorb.
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