This means that most people really don't need to take iron. In fact, there is increasing evidence that high iron blood levels may be linked to heart disease. In addition, a common gene for the disease hemochromatosis can cause the build up of huge amounts of iron in the body, eventually seriously damaging the liver, heart and pancreas. If you are healthy and not a menstruating female, you probably don't need extra iron, even in the small doses in a multivitamin-mineral preparation. The old adage that iron means good health is probably a not very healthy old wive's tale.
Selenium is an antioxidant.
And that sexy word by itself is used to excite the public. The body needs very tiny amounts of this mineral, only 50-70 micrograms a day. That is less than one millionth of a gram. If you eat a fairly balanced diet, especially one with adequate grains, you get all the selenium you need. There has been a recent medical study that suggests that selenium supplements decrease cancer risk.