Se is metabolized in H2Se by reductive pathways. The Se urinary excretion represents the principal known process of Se regulation. Its role is complementary of vitamin E effect. Se also seems indispensable to appropriate immune response. It can chelate various metals allowing their detoxication.
Vitamin E assay completes estimation of the antioxidative status of organism.
Few Se intoxications have been recognized but Se deficiencies often happen. Se deficiencies are found in chronic renal failure, malnutrition malabsorption, long term parenteral nutrition. At the present time it is not known how Se deficiency interfers with chronic infections which often go with these diseases. A better knowledge of Se requirements and Se role could allow an appropriate supplementation in various diseases. Serum selenium and the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.