Selenium is needed by important immune system cells known as T cells. Selenium helps the T cells produce cytokines, which are used as messengers between and inside the cells. Adequate selenium may be needed to increase resistance to HIV infection. Selenium is also needed by white blood cells to fight microorganisms.
Low dietary intakes of selenium may make people more vulnerable to Keshan disease. Keshan disease can cause heart problems.
SELENIUM AND CANCER
Excesses of selenium create methylated selenium in the body. This methylated form of selenium has been found to reduce tumor risk. Conversely, populations in areas with low selenium in the soil have been found to have higher cancer incidence. Supplementation with selenium has been found to decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
Unfortunately, the risk of one type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) was found to be increased by selenium supplementation. Further research is needed to clarify selenium’s role in cancer prevention.
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