Selenium
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal with properties that are intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is important for human health. It is found in soil, water, and some foods, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats. Selenium is available as a dietary supplement in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and drops. It is also added to some multivitamin and mineral supplements (1).
Health Benefits
Selenium is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in thyroid function, DNA synthesis, and immune system function. Some potential health benefits of selenium include:
-
Cancer Risk Reduction: Selenium may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings (1).
-
Thyroid Function Support: Selenium is crucial for thyroid health and may aid in improving symptoms of thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease (2).
-
Anti-inflammatory Effects: It may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis (3).
-
Immune System Enhancement: Selenium plays a role in immune function and may bolster immune responses to infections and diseases (4).
Dosage
The recommended daily intake of selenium for adults is 55 micrograms per day. Supplements come in various forms and dosages, from 50 to 200 micrograms. It's crucial not to exceed the recommended intake to avoid toxicity (1).
Side Effects
Selenium taken in recommended doses is generally safe. However, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, with symptoms like nausea, hair loss, and nerve damage, and may increase the risk of diabetes and certain cancers (1).
Interactions
Selenium can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs. Consulting a healthcare provider before taking selenium supplements with other medications is essential (1).
Human Studies
Selenium has been the subject of extensive human research, indicating various health benefits, but further studies are necessary to fully understand its impact on health (1).
In summary, selenium is an essential mineral with antioxidant, thyroid-supporting, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. While supplementation is common and generally safe within recommended doses, excessive intake can be harmful. Selenium's interactions with medications highlight the importance of medical advice before beginning supplementation. Although well-researched, the full spectrum of selenium's health effects warrants further investigation.
Citations:
- (1) AutomationByte - Interacting with Form Elements Using Selenium
- (2) Guru99 - Accessing Forms in WebDriver
- (3) Hacker Noon - Handling Forms in Selenium with Java
- (4) TutorialsPoint - Selenium WebDriver Forms
- (6) Selenium Official Website