It is believed that cancer is caused by a number of factors, making prevention of the disease a challenge. Few cases of cancer have a causative association as clear as the one between smoking and lung cancer. Recently, much attention has been given to the potential protective effects of various dietary supplements and nutrients, including selenium.
Selenium is a nutrient that is essential to the human body.
A component of a number of the body s enzymes, selenium is found predominantly in foods but also in water and air. Several scientific reports have shown an increased risk of developing certain cancers when the diet does not contain enough selenium. Similarly, some clinical studies have shown that selenium supplements in the diet may reduce the risk of developing some cancers. Excessive exposure to selenium, often characterized by a garlic odor on the breath, can result in chronic selenium poisoning. Further investigation of the potential protective effect of selenium from some types of cancer is ongoing.