Selenium: Micronutrient with various functions. Selenium toxicity.

Selenium: more than just a micronutrient mineral.

Selenium is a micronutrient mineral found mainly in soils. Studies on selenium have increased rapidly worldwide especially after it has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer in humans and animals. The exact mechanism of action on how selenium inhibits diseases, in particular cancer, is still unknown. To date, the use of selenium in preventing or treating diseases is limited. ...

Micronutrient Deficiency Syndrome: Zinc, Copper and Selenium

Nutrients are defined as not only having nutritive values of participating in the metabolism and building the structures of cells but also being safe for human body. Nutrients are divided into two types, macronutrient and micronutrient, according to the proportion of the human body. Commonly, micronutrients include trace elements (trace mineral) and vitamins (complex organic molecules). It is d...

[Selenium deficiency and brain functions: the significance for methylmercury toxicity].

Selenium has been long recognized as one of the essential trace elements. Although many selenoproteins have been identified in the last decade, the physiological roles of Se and selenoproteins remain to be elucidated. Since iodothyronine deiodinases (DIs), which regulate the tissue levels of thyroid hormone, are (likely to be) selenoproteins, Se might have specific roles for developing brain. I...

Selenium: A Micronutrient Essential for Maintaining Human Health

Selenium is a fundamental importance to human health. It is an essential trace element for major metabolic pathways, since selenium is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase enzyme. Diet is the main source of selenium. Selenoproteins in mammalian cells indicated that essential role of selenium in the body’s antioxidant defense system.

Selenium Deficiency and Toxicity in the Environment