Selenium

• Selenium's function, in conjunction with antioxidants and vitamin E to prevent free radical damage to cell membranes.  
• Selenium deficiency is linked with cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, premature aging and cataract formation. 

Deficiency Signs

• Keshan disease, Kashin Beck disease, heart disturbances, muscle weakness, cancer, heart disease, and low immune function.

Food Sources

• Selenium levels in food are directly linked to the level of selenium in the soil in which it grows.  Below is a list of foods and the basic selenium content in Micrograms per 3.5 oz.

Wheat Germ  111

Brazil Nuts 103

Oats 56

Whole Wheat Bread 66

Bran 63

Red Swiss Chard 57

Barley 24

Orange Juice 19

Turnips 27

Garlic 25

Brown Rice 39

Beneficial effects

• Incorporated into 4 active sites of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.  Assumes a critical role in protecting against free-radical and oxidative damage.
• Antioxidant activity on its own and involved in the production of thyroid hormone.
• Antagonistic to heavy metal like lead, mercury, aluminum and cadmium.

Principal Uses

Used as a general antioxidant support.