Selenium in Diet
What food source is the nutrient found in?
Good sources of selenium include:
seafood
lean red meat
whole (unrefined) grains
eggs
chicken
organ meats
garlic
some nuts and seeds
The level of selenium in food depends on the amount of
selenium in the soil those foods were grown in. The amount of selenium
in some common foods is:
1 cup of low-fat milk = 3.6 mcg
1 serving of whole-grain cereal = 12.3 mcg
4 ounces of seafood = 37.9 mcg
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Selenium's main role is as part of an antioxidant enzyme
called glutathione peroxidase. Selenium also works with the antioxidant
vitamin E. Having enough selenium can reduce a person's need for
vitamin E. They work together to protect the body's cells from free radicals.
Free radicals cause damage that can lead to cancer, heart disease,
and other health problems. Selenium is essential for normal development
of the fetus during pregnancy.
It may also protect from the toxic effects of heavy metals, such as
lead poisoning.
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