All about Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that comes from soil, and is needed by almost every cell in the body. Over the last two decades, it has gained tremendous prominence due to a variety of studies that show it to be an extremely potent nutrient that can help counter some of the leading disorders, diseases, and causes of death.

Selenium functions as one of the most powerful known antioxidants, believed to be 200 to 500 times more potent than Vitamin E, another well known antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical substances within the body that can cause cellular damage, leading to premature aging and disease.

Studies have shown that this amazing mineral can help prevent many forms of cancer and protect the health of the heart, by acting as a blood thinner, and improving the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL).

Additional studies have also shown that those cancer patients with the lowest levels of selenium developed more tumors, and survived for a shorter time period when compared against those taking in more of this mineral.

Selenium may also benefit people who suffer from arthritis, psoriasis, and eczema because it harbors anti-inflammatory properties. Also noteworthy is its ability to protect the integrity of eyesight, counter such conditions as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Lastly, selenium is also able to boost the strength of the immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses and has the ability to chelate (pull out) heavy metals (toxins) such as Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury.

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. It is not recommended that people take over 600 mcg of selenium per day for prolonged periods of time. 900 mcg of this mineral has been known to cause toxicity symptoms, such as skin rashes, nervousness, fatigue, hair loss, and nausea. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) stands at 70 mcg for men and 55 mcg for women.

Selenium is clearly a very special mineral, backed by numerous studies from prestigious Universities. Because so many of the most devastating illnesses are believed to be caused by free radical damage, selenium’s role as an extremely potent antioxidant should warrant it strong consideration as part of anyone’s supplement regimen. Of course, those with a preexisting medical condition should talk to their doctor before first.

1. Selenium works synergistically with other antioxidants, especially Vitamin E. A comprehensive formula maximizing its benefits should contain: Alpha-Lipoic acid, beta carotene, green tea extract, and Vitamin C and E.

2. As mentioned above, for long term use we believe people should opt to stay around the RDA allowance for this mineral, unless one is taking selenium for a specific therapeutic purpose. Experts generally agree that a dosage between 50 mcg to 400 mcg will not create any adverse side effects. Over 600 mcg per day, on the other hand, should probably not be sustained for too long.

3. Choose a selenium supplement that comes in the chelated form. Chelated minerals are ones that are bound to a protein molecule that facilitates their transport into the bloodstream. In short, they are much better absorbed.

4. Purchase your supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant manufacturers. Studies by both private and government organizations have shown that consumers in the U.S. only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that contains the amount of ingredients stated on the label. This is because the dietary supplement industry is unregulated in the U.S. and GMP compliant facilities adhere to the strictest manufacturing standards.

Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

One company that meets the above requirements -- and much more -- is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Their flagship product, Total Balance contains chelated selenium, along with the full spectrum of synergistic antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, speciality nutrients, amino acids, and enzymes. In fact, Total Balance contains the majority of nutrients we cover on this entire site!

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info have been taking this product for the past year with excellent results.