Selenium

Selenium

Selenium is an important micronutrient for the functioning of the body.It is an indispensable participant in antioxidant systems and hormone metabolism in the thyroid gland.Micronutrient functions: 1 Strengthening the immune system..2 Reducing the risk of heart disease.(Increasing the amount of a micronutrient in the daily diet can reduce the risk of developing the disease by a quarter.) 3 Improvement of the thyroid gland.(The mineral protects the organ from the harmful effects of oxidative processes, activates the hormones.) 4 Preventing mental deterioration.5 Gives a chance to reduce asthma symptoms.6 Maintaining visual function..

Signs of Selenium deficiency

Lack of selenium in the body leads to a number of painful conditions.It adversely affects the thyroid gland, immune system, vision, skin, hair health.These include: 1 Thyroid diseases.2 Delayed physical and mental development in newborns.3 Deterioration of the cardiovascular system.4 Weakening of soft tissue regeneration.(Wounds take a long time to heal, inflammatory and purulent processes often appear.) 5 Decreased immunity.6 Diseases of the skin, hair and nails.7 Visual impairment.8 Depression.9 Male Infertility.

Signs of Selenium excess

Consumption of more than 1000 mcg of selenium per day leads to a number of adverse effects.Signs of overdose: 1 Garlic breath and urine odor.2 Metallic flavor.3 Nausea.4 Unstable emotional state.5 Rash.6 Hair loss in certain areas of the skin.7 Headache.8 Nail Diseases..

Main sources of Selenium in nutrition

Sources: Brazil nuts fresh/dried, oyster mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, coconut, pistachios.

Daily requirement of Selenium

Infants
0-3 mo. mcg
5-7 mo. mcg
8-12 mo. mcg
Children
1-3 yr15 mcg
3-7 yr20 mcg
7-11 yr30 mcg
Men
11-14 yr40 mcg
14-18 yr50 mcg
>19 yr70 mcg
Women
11-14 yr40 mcg
14-18 yr50 mcg
>19 yr55 mcg