A chemical element with the atomic number 34, an atomic mass of 78.96 represented by the chemical symbol Se is known as selenium. Selenium deficiency is relatively more in weak person. several different autoimmune diseases including psoriasis and thyroid disorders are triggered by selenium deficiency. Selenium deficiency also susceptible to viral infections and heart diseases.
Selenium mineral, chemically related to tellurium and sulfur, selenium containing amino acids selenocysteine and selenomethionine, here selenium replaces sulphur present in the parent amino acids cysteine and methionine. Organic and inorganic are two forms of selenium. Mostly isolated selenium occurs in a stable form a grey semi-metal. In light it conducts electricity better than in the dark. Sulfide ores such as pyrite, partially replacing the sulfur in the ore matrix is one of the great source of selenium. In worldwide, primary source of selenium are plants. Other sources include some high cereals, selenium yeasts, meats, beef, egg, chicken and some fish. Brazil nuts contain high amount of selenium.
Selenium is packed with lots of proteins and nutrients so it has many health benefits to it. This inexpensive dish is mostly served in Asian restaurants. Natural salt is nothing but selenium. The commercial uses for selenium today are in glassmaking. selenium is a powerful antioxidant which protects your body from damaging free radicals, to prevent cancer, prevent acne, prevent thyroid disease and prevent arthritis.
Selenium deficiency occurs in patients who have had gastrointestinal bypass surgery, with severely compromised intestinal function, those undergoing total parenteral nutrition, and also advanced aged people (over 90).
Selenium deficiency can cause Keshan disease, a cardiomyopathy lead to weakening of the heart. Selenium deficiency also contributes to Kashin-beck disease along with iodine deficiency results in degeneration and necrosis of cartilage tissue and Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism, a form of hypothyroidism which results in mental retardation and atrophy. body becomes more susceptible to illness caused by biochemical, or infectious diseases due to Keshan disease.
For the conversion of thyroxin (thyroid hormone) in to triiodothyronine, selenium is necessary. Mental slowing, hypothyroidism, goiter, garlic breath odor, hair loss, cretinism, white blotchy nails, fatigue, irritability, gastrointestinal upset, muscle weakness, mild nerve damage, muscular pain, cardiac arrhythmia, muscular inflation and recurrent miscarriage are selenium deficiency symptoms. For proper functioning of the thyroid gland and immune system trace selenium mineral is necessary. Low selenium levels contribute to infection, pain and disease.
Selenium toxicity, occurs when more than 400 mcg daily are ingested over time causes a condition of selenosis. Selenium toxicity which is selenium deficiency symptom is rare in the United States. Selenium content of food grown in particular area depends on the selenium content of the soil in that particular region. Places like China and New Zealand have low intakes of selenium in the soil where Keshan disease attributed to selenium deficiency has been reported.