Selenium, Essential Dietary Mineral
Studies have shown that selenium helps fight infections, maintain brain function in the elderly, and prevent some cancers. Selenium also plays a crucial role in the formation of thyroid hormones.
- Brain function Selenium may help keep aging minds sharp. French researchers studies 1,400 older men and women for nine years. They found the greatest cognitive function were when the blood levels of selenium were high. And a decrease in cognitive function when the levels were low in selenium.
- Fighting infections Almost 20 years ago it was reported that selenium supplements were of benefit in the treatment of HIV infections. Recently in a study, patients who consistently took the selenium supplements had immune cell increases, and decreases in viral load, those who took placebos or who didn’t take the selenium consistently had substantial increases in viral concentrations. It’s likely that selenium helps fight other infections as well.
- Cancer protection Studies reported that taking selenium supplements (200mcg daily for 4.5 years) lowered risks for prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers by more than one-third. And it may be very beneficial for women who inherit mutations in the BRCA “cancer gene.” Normally, this gene helps repair damaged genes, but the mutation increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. However, after taking selenium supplements for just three months, the rate of mutations decreased to that of women with normal rates.
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