It's Elemental: The Role of Selenium in Human Nutrition

The document discussed the element selenium, highlighting its role as a critical antioxidant in human nutrition and its potential in cancer prevention, particularly prostate cancer. It emphasized selenium's narrow beneficial range, where both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues. High selenium levels could cause toxic conditions like selenosis, characterized by symptoms such as hair loss and gastrointestinal disorders, while deficiency might lead to cardiomyopathy and growth issues. The recommended dietary allowance was 55 micrograms for women and 70 micrograms for men, with meats and breads being primary dietary sources. The selenium content in foods was linked to soil selenium levels, which varied by region, with the U.S., Canada, and China having mapped concentrations.