The mineral selenium appears naturally in soil, water, and a variety of different foods. It's a trace mineral so we only need a small amount, but it still plays a vital role in the body's metabolism. It's well-known because it is an antioxidant which provides protection for cells.
Selenium Deficiencies
As with all vitamins and minerals our bodies need specific amounts to satisfy their requirements. However, we only need this mineral in small amounts. Yet, it is still possible for healthy Americans to experience a deficiency. This is generally because there is an underlying health problem at play, such as Crohn's disease or HIV. People with these conditions are recommended to take a supplement.
Selenium has been used to treat infertility, asthma, dandruff, and arthritis. Although, there have been no conclusive results as to whether it has been effective as a course of treatment.
Natural Sources of Selenium
As selenium occurs naturally in the soil it's common for …show more content…
However, those studies haven't been conclusive and yet, according to WebMD, there does seem to be a link between skin cancer and selenium (https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-skin-lesions-and-cancer). Though, this is due to high levels of selenium.
As noted above selenium was initially believed to protect from skin cancer, however, studies have suggested that it can increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer. Moreover, the belief that it reduces the risk of prostate cancer is not only proven, but the National Cancer Institute found that men with high selenium concentrations increased the risk of prostate cancer by double (https://www.livescience.com/43585-supplements-may-double-prostate-cancer-risk.html). Studies have also found that too high a dose of selenium can increase the risk of type 2