Selenium in Human Health and Disease

Abstract

This review covers current knowledge of selenium in the environment, dietary intakes, metabolism and status, functions in the body, thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems and oxidative metabolism, and the immune system. Selenium toxicity and links between deficiency and Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease are described. The relationships between selenium intake/status and various health outcomes, in particular gastrointestinal and prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and male fertility, are reviewed, and recent developments in genetics of selenoproteins are outlined. The rationale behind current dietary reference intakes of selenium is explained, and examples of differences between countries and/or expert bodies are given. Throughout the review, gaps in knowledge and research requirements are identified. More research is needed to improve our understanding of selenium metabolism and requirements for optimal health. Functions of the majority of the selenoproteins await characterization, the mechanism of absorption has yet to be identified, measures of status need to be developed, and effects of genotype on metabolism require further investigation. The relationships between selenium intake/status and health, or risk of disease, are complex but require elucidation to inform clinical practice, to refine dietary recommendations, and to develop effective public health policies.

Selenium and coenzyme Q10 interrelationship in cardiovascular diseases – A clinician's point of view

“…It is found within the body mainly as selenomethionine or as selenocystein in various selenoproteins. Of those, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) , thioredoxin reductase and selenoprotein P are some of the most important [14].…”

“…[33] Intake of selenium The dietary intake of selenium differs throughout the world, In Europe the estimated mean intake of selenium is 40 μg/day [34] , whereas the mean intake in the US is estimated to be 134 μg/day in men and 93 μg/day in women [35]. The differences can mainly be explained by the poor selenium content of the soil in Europe, compared to the US, or the Australian soils [14]. In the French EVA (Etude du Vieillissement Artériel) study where an elderly population was evaluated, it was demonstrated an association between low plasma concentration of selenium and mortality [36].…”

Effect of Selenium on Growth, Physiological Aspects and Productivity of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

“…Selenium (Se) has antioxidant properties so that it is necessary for humans and animals (Fairweather-Tait et al, 2011). Selenium is trace elements needed by the animal and human (Chaudhary et al, 2010).…”

Lack of Association between Fingernail Selenium and Thyroid Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study in French Polynesia

“…The redox-protective properties of selenium are important during oxidative thyroid hormone production, in which thyroid cells produce excess H 2 O 2 and reactive oxygen species. Due to its ability to protect the thyroid gland and maintain thyroid hormone production, there is a high concentration of selenium in the thyroid (Aaseth et al, 1990), and supply of selenium to the thyroid is prioritized even during periods of selenium deficiency (Fairweather-Tait et al, 2011).…”