selenium
selenium A dietary essential mineral, which is part of enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thyroxine deiodinase. Through its role in glutathione peroxidase it acts as an antioxidant, and to some extent can compensate for vitamin E deficiency. Similarly, vitamin E can compensate for selenium deficiency to some extent.
Requirements are of the order of 50 μg/day; in parts of New Zealand, Finland, and China soils are especially poor in selenium and deficiency occurs. In China selenium deficiency is associated with Keshan disease. Rich sources include: fish and shellfish, mung (dahl) and red kidney beans, Brazil nuts, bread, kidney, lentils, liver, pork, rabbit, veal.
Selenium is toxic in excess; mild selenium intoxication results in production of foul‐smelling hydrogen selenide, which is excreted on the breath and through the skin. Intakes above 450 μg/day are considered hazardous.
Requirements are of the order of 50 μg/day; in parts of New Zealand, Finland, and China soils are especially poor in selenium and deficiency occurs. In China selenium deficiency is associated with Keshan disease. Rich sources include: fish and shellfish, mung (dahl) and red kidney beans, Brazil nuts, bread, kidney, lentils, liver, pork, rabbit, veal.
Selenium is toxic in excess; mild selenium intoxication results in production of foul‐smelling hydrogen selenide, which is excreted on the breath and through the skin. Intakes above 450 μg/day are considered hazardous.
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selenium