Selenium deficiency in humans has been linked to a number of diseases. A recent study performed by Dr. Larry Clark at the University of Arizona showed that selenium may reduce the incidence of, and mortality from, cancers in several sites in the body. A recent study conducted at Harvard University concurred that higher selenium intake may reduce the risk of prostrate cancer. According to the study, the risk of prostrate cancer for men receiving a daily supplement of 200 micrograms selenium was one third of that for men receiving placebo. A clinical study showed that patients with blockage of all three coronary arteries had low blood selenium levels while those with high blood selenium levels were healthy and free of coronary heart disease.
Arthritic inflammation is produced by hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins.
Selenium helps control these specific prostaglandins by controlling the free-radical damage that stipulates their production. Vitamin E is a partner with Selenium in protecting the body components against oxidative free radicals. Both Selenium and Vitamin E have their own specific modes of stopping free radicals, plus they have common modes. The two are synergistic, which means that the activity of both together is greater than the sums of the activity of each by itself. There are many other selenium supplements on the market.