Minerals

Selenium

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Selenium

  • See Also
  1. Selenium Toxicity
  • Physiology
  1. Selenium is an essential trace element in humans
  2. Optimal specific enzyme function requires 55 mcg/day
  3. Examples of enzymes dependent on Selenium
    1. Glutathione peroxidase (neutralizes peroxides, reduces oxidative stress)
    2. Iodothyronine-5-deiodinase (converts Thyroid Hormone T4 to the active T3 form)
  4. Elemental Selenium food sources
    1. Tuna
    2. Oysters
    3. Brazil nuts
  1. Excessive Selenium exposure may result in Selenium Toxicity
  2. Acute toxicity occurs with exposure to Selenite Salts or Selenious Acid (esp. metallurgy, e.g. Gun Blue)
  3. Chronic Toxicity (Selenosis) occurs with excessive longterm exposure to elemental Selenium