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Selenium is an amazing essential nutrient vital for our health and wellbeing. Selenium is obtained through our diets, but it’s only needed in small amounts. However, it plays a key role in many processes in our body, including metabolism. Selenium deficiency also plays a part in thyroid functions (along with iodine deficiency).

Selenium is an Antioxidant.

Antioxidants prevent damage to cells caused by ‘free radicals’. Selenium deficiencies will leave us wide open to many different diseases. Free radicals are essential and play an important role in keeping us free from disease. But too many free radicals from things like smoking, alcohol, chemicals, stress and any other environmental toxins leads to excess. Leading to ‘oxidative stress’ which then damages healthy cells.

Oxidative stress is linked to heart disease, Alzheimers and cancer, premature aging, and increased risk of strokes.

Selenium May Reduce Risk of Certain Cancers. Higher Selenium concentrations in our blood could protect against cancer. Selenium supplements can improve the quality of life for people undergoing radiation therapy.

Prevents Mental Decline

In the UK Alzheimers claims the lives of over 67,000 people every year or 12.7% of all deaths, making it the largest cause of death. Oxidative stress is believed to be a factor involved in the onset and progression of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimers. Several studies have shown that Alzheimer’s sufferers have lower amounts of selenium in their blood. One small study found that supplementing with just 1 selenium-rich Brazil Nut per day improved verbal fluency as well as other mental functions.

Heart disease

In 25 observational studies that were analyzed, people with a 50% increase in the selenium were 24% less likely to get heart disease. Selenium may also lower inflammation. Inflammation is one of the main warnings of heart disease. A review of 16 controlled studies, adding up to over 433,000 people, showed that taking a selenium supplement could possibly decrease C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is an inflammation marker.

Selenium is important for Thyroid Health

Our thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism and control development and growth. Observational studies, one including 6000 people showed that low amounts of selenium were associated with an increased risk of, autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Another study found that taking selenium supplements for 3 months resulted in lower thyroid antibodies, which led to improvements in mood and well-being for those with Hashimoto’s disease.

Selenium and Our Immune System

Our immune system keeps our body healthy. Selenium is an important part of our immune functions by reducing oxidative stress and improved immune response. Selenium supplements may help to strengthen the immune system in people with Influenza, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis C. People with HIV also noticed a slow down of symptoms studies have shown. While selenium deficiency increases the risk of death and disease progression.

The reduction of Asthma Symptoms

Asthma affects about 235 million people globally. Airways become inflamed and narrow, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Because selenium has been shown to reduce inflammation and Asthma is associated with oxidative stress, studies suggest that selenium may help lower asthma symptoms. Higher blood levels of selenium in different studies found better lung function and reduced use of corticosteroid drugs, with supplementation of 200mcg per day.

Selenium (Se) Health Benefits 

- Selenium is an Antioxidant Antioxidants prevent damage to cells caused by ‘free radicals’
- Selenium May Reduce Risk of Certain Cancers Higher Selenium concentrations in our blood could protect against cancer
- Prevents Mental Decline In the UK Alzheimers claims the lives of over 67,000 people every year or 12.7% of all deaths
- Heart disease In 25 observational studies that were analyzed, people with a 50% increase in the selenium were 24% less

Selenium has attracted attention because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect cells from damage. Evidence that selenium supplements may reduce the odds of prostate cancer has been mixed, but most studies suggest there is no real benefit. Selenium does not seem to affect the risk of colorectal or lung cancer. But beware: some studies suggest that selenium may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Among healthy people in the U.S., selenium deficiencies are uncommon. But some health conditions - such as HIV, Crohn's disease, and others - are associated with low selenium levels. People who are fed intravenously are also at risk for low selenium. Doctors sometimes suggest that people with these conditions use selenium supplements.

Selenium has also been studied for the treatment of dozens of conditions. They range from asthma to arthritis to dandruff to infertility. However, the results have been inconclusive.

Good natural food sources of selenium include:

- Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts
- Many fresh and saltwater fish, like yellowfin tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring
- Beef, Ham, Pork, Beef, Turkey, Chicken (poultry)
- Grains and Mushrooms

Whole foods are the best sources of selenium. The mineral may be destroyed during processing.

Selenium in plant-based foods is dependent on the soil where they are farmed and likewise animal-based food.