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Selenium - The Anti-cancer Mineral

by Frann Leach

Studies indicate that people who live in areas with low levels of selenium in the soil have more cancer and heart complaints than those living on high-selenium soils.

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The only area in the UK with high levels in the soil (and therefore the crops) is Norfolk. In the USA, Wyoming and Dakota have high levels. It is stored in the organs and muscles.

Selenium is one of the four antioxidant nutrients. Its known effects include:

preserves liver
maintains disease resistance
essential for normal functioning of the immune system
protects against toxic minerals and toxins produced by the body
promotes male sexual reproductive function
maintains healthy eyesight, hair and skin
anti-inflammatory
maintains healthy heart
antioxidant - prevents cell damage from free radicals
with Vitamins C and E, protects against cancer
lowers risk of joint inflammation
regulates thyroid system

Sufferers from Crohn's Disease or with part of their stomach removed and anyone with an acute severe illness or gastro-intestinal disorder may benefit from a supplement.

Long term Selenium deficiency causes Keshan Disease in children, leading to poor heart function; Kashin-Beck Disease, which leads to osteo-arthropy; and Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism, a cause of mental retardation. These illnesses are mainly restricted to China and other parts of the Far East where soil levels are minimal.

There have been a number of studies involving Selenium. A total of six studies between 1997 and 1999 showed that a supplement of 200mcg per day lowers the risk of prostate, lung and colorectal cancers. This includes a study by Clarke showing a 70% lower risk of prostate cancer.

Medically, Selenium is used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, angina (with Vitamin E), Keshan disease, cataracts, problems with hair, nails and skin and as a detox for arsenic, cadmium and mercury.

Selenium is more effective in combination with Vitamin E.

Best food sources*, in order of importance: Brazil nuts, barley, calves liver, halibut and tuna, snapper (fish), organ meats, garlic, cod, shrimp and shiitake mushrooms. Other sources: beef, turkey, enriched noodles and macaroni, eggs, cottage cheese, oatmeal, rice, wholemeal bread, walnuts, white bread, cheddar.

* Selenium content in food varies, depending on the selenium content in the area the food was produced.

Foods on this list which were produced in certain parts of the world will have virtually zero Selenium content.

Organic selenium is absorbed more efficiently than the inorganic variety, so if buying supplements, try and get selenium yeast (unless you are allergic to yeast, of course).

Minimum Recommended intake:
Children 0-6 months	15mcg
Children 7 months-3 years	20mcg
Children 4-8 years	30mcg
Children 9-13 years	40mcg
Adults and Children 14+	55mcg
Pregnant women	60mcg
Nursing mothers	70mcg

The maximum recommended intake is 400mcg per day. Exceeding this level may cause hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, nerve damage, garlic odour on the breath and malfunctioning of the immune system.

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