No other mineral is so vital to our antioxidant defenses. When we lack Selenium, we also lack glutathione peroxidase (a powerful antioxidant enzyme), we leave a huge hole in our protection from hardening of the arteries, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cataracts.

Also reinforces the defenses against viruses and other invading pathogens. Some studies suggest it could prevent hepatitis, herpes, and infections from ebola virus.

People who are infected with HIV, a deficiency in Selenium is common. Selenium helps to keep the HIV virus dormant and prevent it from developing into a full-blown AIDS. It works much like a number of AIDS drugs, inhibiting a virus-related substance called reverse transcriptase. It may be the most important nutrient for people infected with this deadly virus.1 Studies demonstrate that when Selenium levels are low, a range of viruses, including those responsible for hepatitis B and the common cold, will mutate into more dangerous forms.2

World population studies show that wherever the soil is rich in selenium, there is significantly lower levels of cancers of the lung, rectum, bladder, esophagus, cervix, and uterus. In a ten-year study conducted with the support of the National Cancer Institute on 1,312 volunteers, using 200 mcg. daily, users had a 49 percent decrease in the death rate from the three most prevalent cancers (lung, prostate and colorectal).3

Many population studies have shown that Selenium is a protective nutrient against the development of heart and artery disease and those with low levels of Selenium have a 70 percent greater risk of coronary heart than with those with normal levels.4,5

Important for the management of cardiac arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death.6 Protects the heart not only by producing glutathione peroxidase, but by also restricting the body's load of toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, platinum, and lead, which causes heart tissue damage. Also protects the heart against low levels of oxygen, the toxic effects of drugs like Adriamycin7, and Keshan disease. Is particularly important in older adults with thyroid problems. And pancreatitis inflammation is reduced within 24 hours of administering the mineral.

Selenium Facts

Nutrition Focus on Selenium