Selenium

What role does it play in the organism?
Selenium is a vital trace element. As part of the enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, it is an important element in the defence against free radicals. As a cofactor of a different enzyme, it is essential for the production of the most efficacious hormone of the thyroid gland, the triiodothyronine.

What foodstuffs contain it?
Good dietary selenium sources are the flesh of sea animals and cereals.

Who are exposed to selenium deficiency and what does this deficiency state cause?
In the case of selenium deficiency, susceptibility to infections increases, hair loss and baldness might occur, the activity of bone formation decreases. In severe cases, the deficiency causes a heart muscle disease (the so-called Keshan disease) and an osteoarticular disorder (the so-called Kashin-Beck disease). As a result of selenium’s function, its deficiency causes disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland and cause symptoms similar to iodine deficiency.

What quantity of selenium do we need?
The daily requirement is 0.01-0.05 mg for children depending on age and 0.08 mg for adults.

What are the health risks of excessive selenium intake?
A dose equalling 10 times the daily requirement causes dermatitis, hair loss and fingernail disorders.