Nonetheless, the results are intriguing. If a study using healthy people as subjects shows the same results, we're likely to see a public health recommendation regarding selenium supplementation. Further confirmation of the health benefits of selenium through other independent trials will be necessary before public health recommendations concerning selenium are made. But selenium may be among the critical nutrients that join food from plants and regular physical activity in defense against disease. Scientists believe that selenium helps to block the cell damage that can lead to cancer and other diseases.
Selenium is an essential component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
Selenium may also boost immune function. Only a Small Amount is Necessary Selenium is a trace mineral. That means that the body requires only a small amount to function properly. At the 200 meg. levels used in the Arizona study, no side effects were reported. But in the case of selenium, more is not better.