SELENIUM

Se is a part of the detoxifying enzyme, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, which destroys damaging free radicals called hydroperoxides and detoxifies peroxidized fats (lipid peroxides) within the membrane, thereby sparing vitamin E
works in synergy with vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant
Se as L-selenomethionine is better absorbed than sodium selenite

Actions:

helps to maintain the health of muscle, RBCs, and keratins
supports the pancreas and the immune system
helps decrease the toxicity of mercury, silver, and cadmium, which are harmful when they accumulate in the body
as an antioxidant it shows cancer-fighting potential, but ironically it was once thought to be cancer causing
studies show that cancer death rates decrease as the average blood level of selenium increases (27 countries showed this ''inverse relationship'')
lowest levels of cancer have been found among people living where the soil is selenium-rich, with evidence strongest for cancers of the digestive tract, probably because they are the organs most likely to come in contact with Se

Se deficiency almost certainly does not cause cancer directly but low Se intakes probably lower our defenses against substances that do
on a low-selenium diet, sufficient amounts of the key selenium-containing enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, may be lacking, depriving us of this important substance that fights free radicals
Se deficiency is often assessed in medicine by the level of glutathione peroxidase activity

most nutritionists exaggerate the amount of Se likely to be toxic
Se toxicity is termed selenosis
symptoms of toxicity include: bad teeth, brittle fingernails, discolored skin, dizziness, fatigue and tiredness, garlic odor on breath, GI complaints, hair brittleness and/or loss possibly in bunches, irritability, jaundice, and skin inflammation
reports of an unusual rate of spontaneous abortions ''miscarriages'' among women working with sodium selenite powder

whole grains, if grown in selenium-rich soil
mushrooms and radishes, followed by carrots and cabbage, have the highest levels of Se for vegetables, if grown in Se-rich soil
most fruits are low in Se