Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the amount of vitamins and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons. RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person's age, sex, and physical condition (e.g., pregnancy). Includes a variety of vegetables; fruits; grains (at least half whole grains); fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese; and oils. Epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse association between selenium status and the risk of colorectal, prostate, lung, bladder, skin, esophageal, and gastric cancers [ 37]. In a Cochrane Review of selenium and cancer prevention studies, compared with the lowest category of selenium intake, the highest intake category had a 31% lower cancer risk and 45% lower cancer mortality risk as well as a 33% lower risk of bladder cancer and, in men, 22% lower risk of prostate cancer [ 37]. The authors found no association between selenium intake and risk of breast cancer. A meta-analysis of 20 epidemiologic studies showed a potential inverse association between toenail, serum, and plasma selenium levels and prostate cancer risk [ 38].

Hurwitz BE, Klaus JR, Llabre MM, Gonzalez A, Lawrence PJ, Maher KJ, et al. Suppression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral load with selenium supplementation: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med 2007;167:148-54. [ PubMed abstract] Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): Average daily level of intake estimated to meet the requirements of 50% of healthy individuals; usually used to assess the nutrient intakes of groups of people and to plan nutritionally adequate diets for them; can also be used to assess the nutrient intakes of individuals Many whole grains and dairy products, including milk and yogurt, are good sources of selenium. Some ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with selenium, and some fruits and vegetables contain selenium. Side effects. Taken at normal doses, selenium doesn't usually have side effects. An overdose of selenium may cause bad breath, hair loss, fever, tiredness, and nausea .Selenium levels are often low in people living with HIV, possibly because of inadequate intakes (especially in developing countries), excessive losses due to diarrhea, and malabsorption [ 2, 25]. Observational studies have found an association between lower selenium concentrations in people with HIV and an increased risk of cardiomyopathy; death; and, in pregnant women, HIV transmission to offspring and early death of offspring [ 26-30]. Some randomized clinical trials of selenium supplementation in adults with HIV have found that selenium supplementation can reduce the risk of hospitalization and prevent increases of HIV-1 viral load; preventing HIV-1 viral load progression can lead to increases in numbers of CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infection [ 31, 32]. However, one trial showed that selenium supplementation in pregnant women can prevent early death in infants but has no effects on maternal viral load or CD4 counts [ 33, 34]. Selenium and Health This medication can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using selenium. The total quantity of selenium in the human body is between 3 mg and 20 mg. In human, selenium is excreted in feces, urine or lung, depending on the administered dosage. Selenium is primarily renally excreted in the form of trimethylselenonium ion. The excretion depends on the selenium status. Although selenium is being used to prevent certain types of cancer, there is not enough information to show that this is effective. Importance of Diet

It’s a very powerful – and extremely important – mineral. And, although we only need small amounts, it’s one that many of us are simply not getting enough of, according to data from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Selenium is found in a wide range of foods, including fish, meat, eggs and Brazil nuts, but it’s thought that reduced levels of the mineral in soil due to recent farming practices have contributed to a lower intake. It wasn’t till the 1950s that selenium was found to be important for health after a German scientist investigated disease in farm animals. Since then, it’s been discovered that the mineral is important for immunity, thyroid function, sperm production, and even healthy hair and nails. It’s also an antioxidant, helping to combat cell damage that can lead to premature ageing and illness. Selenium deficiency, or simply having low levels, can affect these functions. Why is ours better? Before taking this product please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medication or are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant. Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with enhanced immune response. Cognitive support. Research shows selenium’s antioxidant properties fight cell damage that may worsen brain and nervous system diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. Studies are ongoing to determine if selenium can help prevent or treat the loss of mental skills. But scientists believe getting enough in your diet can help maintain healthy brain function. Duffield-Lillico AJ, Dalkin BL, Reid ME, Turnbull BW, Slate EH, Jacobs ET, et al. Selenium supplementation, baseline plasma selenium status and incidence of prostate cancer: an analysis of the complete treatment period of the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial. BJU Int 2003;91:608-12. [ PubMed abstract]Loef M, Schrauzer GN, Walach H. Selenium and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. J Alzheimers Dis 2011;26:81-104. [ PubMed abstract] Intake recommendations for selenium and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (formerly National Academy of Sciences) [ 6]. DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and sex, include the following: