SELENIUM

- KSHITIJ SHIVHARE

An essential trace mineral and antioxidant found in the soil.

Vital to good health both physical and mental energy. Appears in water and some foods and plays a key role

in the metabolism. Selenium is needed to form selenoproteins, which are

themselves necessary for the creation of glutathione peroxidase, which are molecules that prevent against cell damage.

Helping your body protect you after a vaccination

Some medical studies suggest that selenium may help with the following conditions, but more studies are needed:

Prevent certain cancers Prevent cardiovascular disease Thyroid Disease Help protect the body from the poisonous

effects of heavy metals and other harmful substances

Glutathione peroxidase is your body and brain’s master antioxidant and detoxifier. It converts various cellular toxins into harmless by-products for elimination and provides vital protection against many dietary and environmental hazards.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) includes the total amount of selenium you should get from foods and from any supplements you take.

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

Recommendations

LIFE STAGES

Recommended Amount

0-6 Months 15 micrograms/day

7 – 12 months 20 micrograms/day

1 – 3 years 20 micrograms/day4 – 8 years 30 micrograms/day9 – 13 years 40 micrograms/day

Adults and ChildS 14 and up 55 micrograms/dayPregnant women 60 micrograms/day

Breastfeeding women 70 micrograms/dayProstate cancer prevention 200 micrograms/day

ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION

Food constitues the major route of human exposure to enviromental selenium. Intake is in the range of 20 to 300 µg / day. Total body selenium has been estimated to be approx. 4 to 10mg (average 6 mg).

Selenium is absorbed mainly from the duodenum and is transportred actively across the intestinal brush border particularly in the form of methionine analogue.

After absorbtion is transported bound to plasma proteins particularly BETA- lipoproteins in humams.

Main route of excretion of selenium appears to be through Urine. Also small amount is excreted through Faeces and Expored air.

Blood and tissue levels- Selenium levels in blood and tissue are very much influenced by dietry selenium inntake. Blood levels varies 0.05 to 0.34 µg/ml.

 

Clinical Sign & Symptoms Hair Loss and Skin,Fingernail & Tooth

Discoloration Low Immunity Constant Tiredness and Fatigue Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating Reproductive Problems Hypothyroidism Respiratory symptoms - mucous membrane

irritation, coughing, bronchitis, bronchial pneumonia, reduced respiratory rate, and ultimately, pulmonary edema.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms - stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Neurological signs of selenium poisoning infer damage to nerves and brain tissue. They include fatigue, irritability, listlessness, reduced mental alertness, emotional instability, loss of sensation in the arms or legs, reduced BP and ultimately, unconsciousness and death.

EXCESS Taken at normal doses, selenium does not usually

have side effects. An overdose of selenium may cause - Garlic odor in breath Nausea Diarrhea Skin rashes Irritability Metallic taste in the mouth Loss of hair or nails Discolored teeth

Extremely high intakes of selenium can cause difficulty in breathing, tremors, kidney failure.

At high enough levels, selenium could cause death.

DEFICIENCYSpecial features of severe selenium efficency havebeen reported in a number of species. These are: Liver Cell Necrosis, Exudative Diathesis, Pancreatic Degeneration, Muscular Dystrophies, Myopathy, Infertility, Failure Of Growth Dilatation Of The Heart Resulting In Congestive

Cardiac Failure.

Keshan disease (a type of heart disease) and Arthritis that produces pain, swelling, and loss

of motion in your joints.

FOOD SOURCES Fruits - Brazil nuts, Dates, Bananas, Raisins, Berries, Almond, Cashews, Pomgranetes. Vegetables - Spinach, Soybeans, Lima beans, Asparagus,

Mushrooms, Black-eyed peas, Wheat product, Rice,

Green peas , Broccoli, Kidney beans Onions, Winter squash, Kale, Carrots and Cauliflower.

Animal- Meat, Fish , Beef Lamb, pork and dark meat poultry

Cheese and Yogurt Seafood- Shrimp, Sardines, Salmon, Halibut and

` Tuna.

THANK YOU.