Selenium as Mineral – Rich Food Sources, Functions, Deficiency & Daily Requirements for Children, Men & Women

Presentation Notes on Selenium (Se) Vegetarian & Non Vegetarian Food Sources, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Selenium deficiency disorders, Role in Human Body with Treatment & Toxicity in word / .doc / ppt format

Selenium :


About 5-15mg of selenium is found in the body. Selenium serves to protect cells against destruction. 


Sources:

• Present in liver, kidney, seafood, meats and grains. 

Daily requirement:

• Adult man/woman: 0.2 mg. 
• Infants and children: 0.02-0.1 mg. 

Functions: 

It is an integral part of enzymes, glutathione peroxidase, which has the following functions :

• Protects vital cell components, such as cell membranes from dangers of hydrogen peroxide and other peroxides.
• Supplements the action of superoxide dismutase in protecting cells against superoxide (O2-) and other free radicals.

Selenium spares vitamin E requirement in three ways :

• Normal pancreatic function and thereby digestion and absorption of lipids including vitamin E.
• Component of glutathione peroxidase.
• Aids retention of vitamin E in blood.

Toxicity:

• Humans living in selenium-rich soil zones are prone to its toxicity. 
• Excess of selenium in cattle causes alkali disease, liver necrosis and muscular dystrophy. 

Deficiency symptoms: 

• Cardiac dilation, abnormal ECG, congestive heart failure. 
• An endemic disease, seen in children due to low selenium content is called Keshan disease. 

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