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Selenium (Se)


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Selenium (Se)

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Background

Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways, including the glutathione-peroxidase pathway. Selenium appears to promote antioxidant activity in the body via glutathione peroxidase (GPX), a selenium-dependent enzyme.

Selenium deficiency can occur in areas were soil content of selenium is low, and may cause conditions such as Keshan disease and affect thyroid function. Selenium deficiency is also commonly seen in patients on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as their sole source of nutrition. Gastrointestinal disorders may decrease the absorption of selenium resulting in depletion or deficiency. Selenium may be destroyed when foods are refined or processed.

Specific dietary sources of selenium include brewer's yeast, wheat germ, butter, garlic, grains, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, raisins, liver, kidney, shellfish (lobster, oyster, shrimp, scallops), fresh-water and salt-water fish (red snapper, salmon, swordfish, tuna, mackerel, halibut, flounder, herring, smelts). Selenium is also found in alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, fennel seed, ginseng, raspberry leaf, radish, horseradish, onion, chives, medicinal mushrooms (reishi, shiitake), and yarrow.

The role of selenium in cancer prevention has been the subject of recent study and debate. Initial evidence from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial suggests that selenium supplementation reduces the risk of prostate cancer among men with normal baseline PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, and low selenium blood levels. However, in this study selenium did not reduce the risk of lung, colorectal, or basal cell carcinoma of the skin, and actually increased the risk of squamous cell skin carcinoma. The ongoing Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) aims to definitively address the role of selenium in prostate cancer prevention.

Synonyms

Atomic number 34, Na2SeO3, selenium dioxide, selenized yeast, L-selenomethionine, Se, Sele-Pak, selenate, selenite, selenious acid, selenium sulfide, selenocysteine, selenomethionine (Semet), selepen, Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMCYS).

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidenceGrade*Antioxidant
Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase, which possesses antioxidant activity, and demonstrates antioxidant properties in humans. Long-term clinical benefits remain controversial.

B

Prostate cancer prevention
Initial evidence has suggested that selenium supplementation reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer in men with normal baseline PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, and low selenium blood levels. This is the subject of large well-designed studies, including the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial (NPC), and the ongoing Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) (1;2;3;4;5;6;7;8;9;10;11;12;13;14;15;16;17), as well as prior population and case-control studies (18;19). The NPC was conducted in 1312 Americans, and reported that 200mcg of daily selenium reduces the overall incidence of prostate cancer - although these protective effects only occurred in men with baseline PSA levels less than or equal to 4 ng/mL, and those with low baseline blood selenium levels (<123.2 ng/mL) (20;21;6;11). The NPC trial was primarily designed to measure the development of nonmelanoma skin cancers, not other types of cancers, and therefore these prostate cancer results cannot be considered definitive. To settle this question, further study is underway: The SELECT trial is in progress, with a goal to include 32,400 men with serum PSA levels less than or equal to 4 ng/mL. SELECT was started in 2001, with results expected in 2013. Laboratory studies have reported several potential mechanisms for selenium's beneficial effects in prostate cancer, including decrease in androgen receptors and PSA production (22;23), antioxidant effects, angiogenesis inhibition, or apoptosis (24;25;26;27;28;29). It is not known if selenium is helpful in men who already have been diagnosed with prostate cancer to prevent progression or recurrence of disease (30). It does appear that selenium may not be beneficial in those with elevated PSA levels, or with normal/high selenium levels. It remains unclear whether men at risk (or all men) should have their serum selenium values measured; results of the SELECT study may provide additional guidance. There is evidence that low selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (18), and several mechanisms for the beneficial effects of selenium supplementation have been suggested (24;31;32). In the NPC trial, no benefits were seen in reducing the risk of colorectal or lung cancers. Although an overall reduction in cancer risk was observed, it is not clear which specific types of cancer besides prostate cancer prevention may benefit.

B

Keshan disease
Keshan disease is a cardiomyopathy (heart disease) restricted to areas of China in people having an extremely low selenium status. Prophylactic administration of sodium selenite has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of this disorder (33;34). Selenium is used to treat and prevent selenium deficiency (for example in those with HIV or receiving enteral feedings) (35;36;37;38;39;40;41;42;43;44).

B

Asthma
Preliminary research reports that selenium supplementation may help improve asthma symptoms (45;46). Further research is needed to confirm these results

C

Intracranial pressure symptoms
Preliminary research shows a decrease of symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure (headaches, nausea, emesis, vertigo, unsteady gait, speech disorders, and Jacksonian seizures) (47;48). More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

C

Burns
Early study results suggest that supplementation with selenium and other trace elements (copper, zinc) may increase the rate of burn wound healing (49;50). Additional research is necessary before a clear recommendation can be made.

C

Cancer treatment
Several studies suggest that low levels of selenium (measured in the blood or in tissues such as toenail clippings), may be a risk factor for developing cancer (51;18;52;53;54;55), particularly prostate cancer (18). Population studies suggest that people with cancer are more likely to have low selenium levels than healthy matched individuals, but in most cases it is not clear if the low selenium levels are a cause or merely a consequence of disease. It remains unclear if selenium is beneficial in the treatment of any type of cancer.

C

Cardiomyopathy
Low selenium levels have been associated with the development of cardiomyopathy (56;57;58;43;34;59;60;61), and selenium supplementation is likely of benefit in such cases (for example in Keshan disease (33;34)). However, most cases of cardiomyopathy are not due to low selenium levels, and therefore selenium may not be helpful. It has been suggested that low selenium levels may be a risk for coronary heart disease, although this remains unclear. (62) .

C

Cataracts
Preliminary research reports that selenium supplementation may affect the development of cataracts (63;64). Further research is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

C

Chemotherapy side effects
Study results of selenium supplementation during chemotherapy are mixed (65;66;64). General concern has been raised that antioxidants may interfere with radiation therapy or some chemotherapy agents (such as alkylating agents, anthracyclines, or platinums), which themselves can depend on oxidative damage to tumor cells for anti-cancer activity. Therefore, patients undergoing cancer treatment should speak with their oncologist before taking selenium.

C

Cystic fibrosis
Preliminary research of selenium supplementation in CF patients yields indeterminate results (67;68). Further research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Dandruff
Studies report that selenium-containing shampoos may help improve dandruff, and selenium is included in some commercially available products.

C

Dialysis
The benefits of selenium supplementation in dialysis patients remain unclear (38;69;70;71). Some methods of dialysis may lower plasma selenium levels.

C

Fatigue
Evidence of benefit is inconclusive in this area.

C

Malabsorption
Low selenium status has been demonstrated in several malabsorptive syndromes and in some digestive and gastrointestinal allergic conditions. There is some evidence that children with food allergies have a higher risk of selenium deficiency. There is no clear benefit of selenium supplementation as a therapy for malabsorptive syndromes, although vitamin supplementation in general may be warranted.

C

Liver disease
Selenium supplementation has been studied in various liver disorders, including hepatitis, with mixed results.

C

HIV/AIDS
Selenium supplementation has been studied in HIV/AIDS patients, and some reports associate low selenium levels with complications such as cardiomyopathy. It remains unclear if selenium supplementation is beneficial in patients with HIV, particularly during antiretroviral therapy (72;36;37;73;74;39;75;40;76;77;78;79).

C

Infection prevention
Preliminary research reports that selenium can be beneficial in the prevention of several types of infection, including recurrence of erysipelas (bacterial skin infection associated with lymphedema) or Mycoplasma pneumonia. Further research is needed to confirm these results before a clear recommendation can be made.

C

Infertility
Selenium supplementation has been studied for male infertility and sperm motility with mixed results (80). Evidence is lacking regarding potential effects on female infertility.

C

Low birth weight
Selenium supplementation has been studied in low birth weight infants. Additional evidence is warranted in this area before a clear conclusion can be drawn (81;82;83).

C

Lymphedema
Preliminary research reports that selenium supplementation may decrease lymphedema (84). Further research is needed to confirm these results before a clear recommendation can be made.

C

Myotonic dystrophy
Selenium and vitamin supplementation has been studied in myotonic dystrophy with mixed results (85;86).

C

Pancreatitis
There is inconclusive evidence regarding the use of selenium in pancreatitis (87;88;89).

C

Pre-eclampsia
Preliminary study in women with pregnancy induced hypertension has reported reduced edema, without significant impact on birth outcomes (90). No clear conclusion can be drawn in the absence of additional well designed research.

C

Psoriasis
Research is inconclusive in this area (91;92).

C

Rheumatoid arthritis
Selenium supplementation has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis patients with mixed results (93;94;95;96;97;98;99). Additional research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

C

Sepsis
Study results of selenium supplementation in septic patients are mixed (100;101;102;103;104).

C

Sunburn prevention
Photoprotection was initially observed in preliminary research using selenium supplementation and other antioxidants, although there is some evidence of ineffectiveness in preventing light-induced erythema (skin redness).

C

Thyroid conditions
An early toxic effect of selenium is disruption of endocrine function, including synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3). Selenium has been suggested to improve inflammatory activity in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or Grave's disease (105;106;107;42;108;109;110;111;70;112;113). Further research is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

C

Tinea capitis
Commercially available 1% selenium sulfide shampoo has been reported as equivalent to sporicidal therapy in the adjunctive treatment of tinea capitis infection, although further high quality evidence is warranted (114).

C

Tinea versicolor
Preliminary study of topical selenium (selenium sulfide shampoo) is inconclusive (115;116).

C

Colorectal cancer prevention
Evidence from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial suggests that selenium supplementation does not significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer (21). This randomized study was conducted in 1312 Americans over a 13 year period, and compared the effects of 200mcg of daily selenium versus placebo. Although initial (interim) analysis suggested possible benefits, a later analysis found a lack of statistical significance.

D

Kashin-beck osteoarthropathy
Kashin-Beck disease is an osteoarthropathy endemic in selenium- and iodine-deficient areas. Preliminary evidence suggests that selenium supplementation does not significantly improve this disease (117).

D

Lung cancer prevention
Evidence from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial suggests that selenium supplementation does not significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer (21;13). This randomized study was conducted in 1312 Americans over a 13 year period, and compared the effects of 200mcg of daily selenium versus placebo. Although initial (interim) analysis suggested possible benefits, a later analysis found a lack of statistical significance. Other evidence is inconclusive (118;119).

D

Muscular dystrophy
Preliminary studies suggest that selenium supplementation is not helpful in muscular dystrophy (120;121;122).

D

Osteoarthritis
Selenium-ACE, a formulation containing selenium with three vitamins, has been promoted for the treatment of arthritis. Research has failed to demonstrate significant benefits, with a possible excess of side-effects compared to placebo.

D

Skin cancer (nonmelanoma) prevention
Results from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial, conducted among 1312 Americans over a 13 year period, suggest that selenium supplementation (200mcg daily) given to individuals at high risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer is ineffective at preventing basal cell carcinoma, and actually increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and total nonmelanoma skin cancer (11;16). Therefore, selenium supplementation should be avoided in individuals at risk or with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

D

* Key to grades
A:
Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B:
Good scientific evidence for this use;
C:
Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D:
Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F:
Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abnormal pap smears, acne, alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholism, allergic rhinitis, altitude sickness, arsenic poisoning, atherosclerosis, chronic bronchitis, cognitive dysfunction; colitis, depression, dermatitis herpetiformis, diabetes mellitus, Downs Syndrome, eczema, endocrine disorders, esophagus cancer prevention (), gastric cancer prevention (), gray hair, helminth reinfection, high cholesterol, hypersensitivity to electricity, immune disorders, immune stimulation, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation, lupus, macular degeneration, metabolic enhancement, menopausal symptoms, miscarriage prevention, mood disorders, mood enhancement, muscle weakness, neonatal disorders, organ dysfunction, Osgood-Schlatter disease, otitis media, pain, childhood growth promotion, photoprotection, poison prophylaxis, aging, fetal development, vaccine adjunct, Raynaud's phenomenon, strength enhancement, stroke, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ulcerative colitis, vasculitis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults (oral) : 80-200 mcg. Specifically: 55 mcg for female adults; 70 mcg for male adults; 40-70 mcg for adolescent males, 45-55 mcg for adolescent females; 65 mcg for pregnant females; 75 mcg for breast-feeding females.

Prostate cancer prevention (oral) : The dose of selenium associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer in the NPC trial is 200 mcg daily (21;6;11;13).

Maximum Daily Dose (oral) : 400 mcg per day for those older than 14 years old (including adults and the elderly).

Intravenous (should only be used when oral therapy is not feasible, and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional) : For treatment of selenium deficiency in adults, 100 mcg of elemental selenium daily for 24-31 days has been suggested. For prevention of selenium deficiency in adults, 20-40 mcg of elemental selenium daily has been suggested.

Other: The following doses have been reported in research or practice, although efficacy is not necessarily proven. Asthma : 100 mcg daily. Cancer prevention : 200mcg daily. Erysipelas infection : 300-1000mg daily as selenium selenite. HIV positive status : 80 mcg daily. Infertility (male) : 100 mcg daily. Keshan disease : 30 mcg daily. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) : 100 mcg daily. Rheumatoid arthritis : 200 mcg daily.

Children (younger than 18 years):

U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for infants and children (oral) : 10 mcg for 0-6 months; 15mcg daily for 6-12 months; 20 mcg for 1-6 years; 30 mcg for 7-10 years; 45 mcg for 11-14 years; 50 mcg for 5-18 years. Adequate Intake for infants up to 6 months old may be 2.1 mcg/kg/day, and for infants 7-12 months may be 2.2 mcg/kg/day.

Maximum Daily Dose (oral) : 45 mcg for 0- 6 months; 60 mcg for 7-12 months; 90 mcg for 1-3 years; 150 mcg for 4-8 years; 280 mcg for 9-13 years.

Intravenous (should only be used when oral therapy is not feasible, and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional) : 3 mcg of elemental selenium/kg/day intravenously for the treatment or prevention of selenium deficiency has been noted.

Other : To treat selenium deficiency in premature infants, 5 mcg per day of selenized yeast has been given by a nasogastric tube.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Selenium is a trace element, and hypersensitivity is unlikely. Avoid if known allergy/hypersensitivity to products containing selenium.

Side Effects and Warnings

Chronic toxicity : The level of selenium exposure that will cause chronic toxicity is not known, although doses 4-5 times normal dietary intake have been implicated (1 gram per day for two years has produced signs of toxicity in women) (124;125;126). Selenium toxicity may cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, garlic-like breath odor, metallic taste), neuromuscular-psychiatric disturbances (weakness/fatigue, lightheadedness, irritability, hyperreflexia, muscle tenderness, tremor, peripheral neuropathy), dermatologic changes (skin rash/dermatitis/flushing, fingernail loss/thickening/blotching/streaking/paronychia, hair changes/loss), liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets), immune alterations (natural killer cell impairment), thyroid dysfunction (decreased T3), reduced sperm motility, or growth retardation. Blood selenium levels may be used to assess the degree of toxicity, with levels below 1000 mcg/L usually not associated with serious toxicity, and levels above 2000 mcg/L predictive of potential serious toxicity. Chronic selenium toxicity may resemble arsenic toxicity.

Acute overdose (selenosis) : Acute selenium poisoning may cause fever, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, pain, anorexia), liver or kidney functional impairment, respiratory distress, cardiac complications (EKG changes, increased creating kinase levels, heart damage), and even death if levels are high enough (127;128;67;126;129). Other symptoms similar to chronic selenium toxicity may also occur.

Cardiovascular : Chronic low selenium levels are associated with the development of cardiomyopathy (36;56;57;130;131;58;43;34;59;60;61), and possibly with coronary artery disease (62).

Endocrine : An early toxic effect of selenium is disruption of endocrine function, including synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3) (106;107;132;42;110;111;70;113), with unclear effects on growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor. Selenium deficiency may also worsen thyroid disorders related to iodine-deficiency (133;42;108;134).

Renal : Kidney failure and dialysis are associated with low selenium levels (38;69;70;71), and kidney transplant appears to correct selenium levels (135).

Genitourinary : Chronic high selenium levels may decrease sperm motility (136;80), although effects on fertility are not known.

Oncologic : Results from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial, conducted among 1312 Americans over a 13 year period, suggest that selenium supplementation (200mcg daily) given to individuals at high risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer is ineffective at preventing basal cell carcinoma, and actually increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and total nonmelanoma skin cancer (11). Therefore, selenium supplementation should be avoided in individuals at risk or with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Psychiatric : Researchers have reported high levels of selenium in children with behavioral problems, although causality has not been established . Chronic selenium toxicity has been associated with irritability or fatigue.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

No pregnancy category has been established for supplemental selenium intake although it is generally believed to be safe during pregnancy when consumed in amounts normally found in foods. Animal research reports that large doses of selenium may contribute to birth defects (126;137).

Selenium is excreted in breastmilk (138;139), but is generally believed to be safe to consume during lactation in amounts commonly found in foods.

References

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July 01, 2004

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