Selenium is an essential trace mineral. This means your body must get this mineral in the food you eat. Small amounts of selenium are good for your health.

Selenium is a trace mineral. The body only needs it in small amounts.

Selenium helps the body with:

• Making special proteins, called antioxidant enzymes, which play a role in preventing cell damage
• Helping your body protect you after a vaccination

Some medical studies suggest that selenium may help with the following conditions, but more studies are needed:

• Prevent certain cancers
• Prevent cardiovascular disease
• Help protect the body from the poisonous effects of heavy metals and other harmful substances
• Boost fertility, especially among men. The mineral has been shown to improve the production of sperm and sperm movement.

Images

Next Section

Selenium in diet Food Sources

Review Date: 02/14/2011
Reviewed By: Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)