Selenium - a "Miracle" Trace Element? Selenium is a very essential trace element that if deficient in the diet will lead to a number of health problems. There is a range where selenium can actually become toxic if too much is taken. This where there is a lot of disagreement. Some natural food vitamins will contain 200 mcg of selenium but the normal recommended amount is 70 mcg. Some health practitioners recommend 300 mcg daily dose of selenium as a cancer prevention measure and will recommend 800 to 1,000 daily doses of selenium in the case of cancer and aids. Chinese studies (which are in conflict with Western studies) say the maximum safe daily dose of selenium is just over 800 mcg daily with toxicity just beginning at a little over 1,000 mcg a day. Studies on the incidence of cancer and aids in Africa indicate that areas where soil is very rich in selenium the rates for cancer and aids are dramatically lower than the cancer and aids rates in areas of Africa that have soils that are very low in selenium content. In alternative medicine selenium it touted to address heart disease and heart conditions and also arthritis. Also larger doses of 800 mcg to 1,000 mcg are said by some to greatly slow hiv replication. The importance of selenium can not be overstated. Id you have a selenium deficiency than you can likely be open to a number of health problems.

• published: 29 Aug 2013
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