CHAPTER 38 – Selenium

Abstract

Selenium is an essential trace element and has been shown to be a natural component in the enzymes glutathione peroxidases (GSH-px 1-5), iodothyrodine deiodinases, thioredoxin reductases, selenoprotein P, and other proteins, altogether 25 proteins. Most selenium inorganic and low molecular compounds are water soluble and can efficiently be taken up in the intestine. Soluble, as well as nonsoluble, compounds can be taken up by the lungs. Selenium occurs as cysteine in selenoproteins, whereas selenomethionine can unspecifically substitute for methionine in proteins. The selenium requirement to compensate minimal losses in man is 50–70 g/day.