Benefits of Plant-Based Selenium
Selenium is essential for human health. It is a trace mineral, so is not needed in great amounts, but it is necessary. Selenium is found in many foods, and the amount of selenium in the food supply depends on how much selenium is in the soil where the food is grown. Plants take up selenium from the soils, and the human body can readily absorb this dietary selenium.
Selenium acts as an antioxidant, and is involved in studies, along with other antioxidants, on immunology and cancer research. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of selenium for adults is 55 micrograms, with the tolerable upper intake level (UL) set to 400 micrograms.
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Heart Health
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Selenium is necessary for heart health. One of the conditions that can develop when not enough selenium is available or absorbed is Keshan disease. Keshan disease was first noted in the 1930s in China, where much of the soil is low in selenium. Keshan disease, also known as cardiomyopathy, occurs mostly in children. It is a damaged heart muscle, resulting in an enlarged heart. Cardio-related deaths occur, often with no warning.
Joints
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Selenium helps protect joints as well. There is a form of osteoarthropathy, known as Kashin-Beck disease, that can develop from not enough dietary selenium. It was first found in areas of Tibet, where there is almost no selenium in the soil, and is a combination of selenium deficiency and iodine deficiency. Once this condition has started, it can be stopped, but not reversed with selenium supplementation. Osteoarthropathy attacks the joints, cartilage is lost, and there is an overgrowth of the bones in the joint. It is a very painful and disfiguring condition.
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Prenatal Benefit
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It is important for pregnant women to have sufficient selenium and iodine to protect their children. When mothers are deficient in both selenium and iodine, their babies can have a condition called myxedemetous endemic cretinism, a form of mental retardation. This can be linked to thyroid function, where selenium is absolutely necessary.
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