Selenium

Selenium

Selenium is present in foods of plant origin grown in selenium rich soils.

Functions

Selenium is essential for normal growth, fertility and for the prevention of a wide variety of diseases in animals. Selenium is a constituent of the enzyme Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a selenoprotein. This enzyme is the protective agent against the accumulation of H₂O₂ (Hydrogen peroxide), and organic peroxides within cells. It is involved in immune mechanisms, ubiquinone synthesis and mitochondrial ATP biosynthesis. Selenium has close metabolic relationship with vitamin E for curing certain diseases.

Sources

Selenium is largely present in different foods. The variation depends on the selenium content of the soil.

Requirements

Any normal diet can meet the daily requirement of selenium.

Deficiency

Selenium deficiency is very rarely seen in human beings.However, necrosis and muscular dystrophy are associated with selenium deficiency