Longevity and Cognitive Decline Several studies have found that selenium blood levels fall as we age and those with the lowest levels experience shorter life spans. One study showed a drop of 7 percent at age 60 and 24 percent by age 75. In one study involving 1,389 patients ages 60 to 71, it was discovered that, when compared to those with the higher selenium levels, those with the lower levels have a highest likelihood of experiencing cognitive and neurological problems. (Epidemiology 07;18:52–58) (Sci Total Environ 95;170:133–139) (Med Hypotheses 97;48:355–360)

Cancer Selenium prevents cancer. It’s been proven time and time again. One study involved 1,312 patients with no melanoma skin cancer. Half received a placebo and the other half received 200 mcg of selenium for an average of 4½ years. Those who took the selenium had an overall decrease in all cancers of 35 percent compared to those on the placebo. Prostate cancer decreased by 63 percent, lung cancer by 46 percent, and colorectal cancer by 58 percent. The effect was so dramatic that the blinded part of the study was ended early so those on the placebo could be told the benefits of taking selenium. (JAMA 96;276:1957–1963)

Other research has now found that increasing levels of selenium could cut the incidence of bladder cancer by as much as 70 percent. And it also appears that breast cancer is far more prevalent in individuals with low selenium levels—and supplementation could lower those rates as well. (J Surg Oncol 80;15:67–70) (Mol Carcinog 99;26:213–225) A study in Arizona of 1,763 individuals found that those with lower levels of selenium were more likely to have polyps in their intestinal tract than those with higher levels of the mineral (33 percent compared to only 9 percent). Polyps are considered pre-cancerous. (J Natl Cancer Inst 04;96:1669–1675)

Arthritis This is another area where there hasn’t been enough research concerning selenium. We do know that with inflammatory arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis there are consistently lower levels of selenium in the blood, and oftentimes a low intake of the mineral. Selenium is a part of not only antioxidant proteins, but anti-inflammatory ones as well. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium can prove to be a godsend to many with rheumatoid arthritis. (Biol Trace Elem Res 96;53:51–56) (Ann Rheum Dis 94;53:51–53) (Semin Arthritis Rheum 97;27:180–185)

Most people should take of selenium supplement between 200–400 mcg/day. This has been proven to help in cancer, AIDS, and other conditions, on top of whatever one consumes in their diet, wouldn’t be a problem. Research consistently has shown these levels to be totally safe and effective.