Selenium

Selenium Deficiencies: European selenium levels have been falling since the EU imposed levies on wheat imports from the US, where soil selenium levels are high. As a result, average intake of selenium in the UK has fallen from 60 to 34 micrograms per day.

Cigarette smokers have lower levels of selenium because tobacco decreases absorption of selenium in the digestive tract.

Selenium & Immunity: The immune system requires selenium to function properly. Selenium is also needed to activate thyroid hormones.

Selenium along with other minerals can help build up white blood cells, enhancing the body's ability to fight illness and infection.Selenium may have also have anti-viral properties by enhancing the body’s cellular defenses.

Selenium is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies among AIDS and HIV-infected individuals. Preliminary evidence suggests that selenium supplementation may improve certain symptoms of this condition.

Selenium & Cancers: Selenium activates an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which may help protect the body from cancer.

Research suggests that Selenium has a chemo-preventitive action for breast and prostate cancers. In 1969 Dr. R. Shamberger reported that his cancer patients averaged selenium blood levels only 60 to 80 percent as high as non-cancer patients.

Selenium & Mens/Sperm Health: Selenium and other antioxidants play an essential role in the formation of certain proteins found in sperm. Deficiencies of selenium, therefore, can have a detrimental effect on sperm motility.

In a study of 69 infertile Scottish men, those given selenium or selenium in combination with vitamins A, C, and E for three months demonstrated significant improvement in sperm motility compared to men given placebo pills.

Selenium & Skin Health: One of the main activities of Selenium mineral is its anti-aging properties and its ability to help rid the body of free radicals. Selenium supplementation may help improve symptoms in individuals with various skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Food sources of Selenium: Brazil nuts are the best source of selenium. Also yeast, whole grains, and seafood

Yeast Free Selenium: Selenium is bonded to the essential sulfur amino acid, methionine, in a naturally occuring form as found in the diet. Yeast free selenium is recommeded especially as many people have a yeast intolerance or are prone to yeast infections

Caution: Do not exceed one capsule daily as Selenium is toxic in amounts higher than the recommended dose