Name: Selenium - Immune System
Scientific Name:
Intro: Selenium is an essential trace mineral important for wellness. As an anti-oxidant, Selenium helps protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Selenium also supports the immune system. While selenium is itself an antioxidant, it is also vital for the formation of one of the body’s key antioxidants. This antioxidant activity is believed to be responsible for selenium’s reported ability to protect against heart attacks and strokes while supporting overall cardiovascular health. Selenium may also have anti-viral properties by enhancing the body’s cellular defenses. It may also help rid the body of heavy metal toxins like mercury and cadmium. Targeted clinical applications for selenium include use in the fight against AIDS, bronchial asthma and cataracts
Nutrient Content:
Benefits:
Comments: The Dietary Supplements Information Bureau recommends a daily dosage 21 to 200 mcg of Selenium for optimal health.
Caution: If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding an infant, talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals.
Large doses of this dietary supplement can cause toxicity. Symptoms include loss of hair and nails, skin lesions, nervous system abnormalities, digestive dysfunction and a garlicky breath odor. It may be necessary to reduce the dose of this dietary supplement. Tell your doctor if these symptoms occur.
Possible Interactions
Corticosteroid Medications
A study reported that high-doses of prednisolone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have decreased levels of selenium in their blood. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.
These drugs include prednisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, betamethasone, budesonide, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, cortisone, beclomethasone, flunisolide, fluticasone, fludrocortisone, mometasone .
Oral Contraceptives
A study reported that women taking oral contraceptives had decreased selenium levels in their blood compared to women not on oral contraceptive therapy. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.
These drugs include norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .