Selenium - Fingerstick

Selenium is a trace element that also acts as an antioxidant. Selenium is found in the liver and protects red blood cells and other cells from damage.

Selenium reduces the toxicity of heavy metals that enter the food chain through contamination. Selenium is also important for proper thyroid function and may help protect against the development of prostate cancer.

Selenium is found in many foods, including both animal-based (fish and meat) and plant-based products. There are indications that young men and women, pregnant women, and teenage girls may not be getting enough selenium.

Selenium is an essential trace element with a variety of functions. Among other things, it is involved in the production of special proteins—known as antioxidant enzymes—that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Vegetables are the most common dietary sources of selenium.

Minerals, like vitamins, are substances found in small amounts in food and drink. They are essential for good health and normal growth and development.
Both selenium deficiency and selenium toxicity are rare in the Netherlands.

Selenium (a metalloid and essential trace element) is involved in the detoxification of cell-damaging free radicals (such as catalase, lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase).
Its antioxidant effect protects against atherosclerosis, degenerative processes, and the development of tumors. Selenium also supports the immune system.

Selenium is released during the smelting of ore in the electrical, glass, and ceramics industries. Other sources of contamination include: gases, dust, water, food, and excessive selenium supplementation (>400 µg/day).

Selenium deficiency

Muscle and myocardial degeneration, immune system disorders, increased risk of tumors, increased risk of heart disease, oxidative stress. During oxidation, nutrients are broken down by binding with oxygen. These reactive oxygen species are produced during the natural metabolic process. Oxidative stress is a metabolic state in which more reactive oxygen species are released than usual. Oxidative stress can result from, among other things, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, medication use, physical or psychological stress, prolonged sun exposure, air pollution, intense exercise, or being overweight.

Selenium toxicity can occur at doses exceeding 800 µg/day, with symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nervousness, excessive salivation, diarrhea, garlic-like odor on the breath, brittle nails, hair loss, liver and kidney damage, acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords, and bronchitis.