Selenium and Heart Disease: Should you supplement selenium?
Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil and naturally present in many foods.
The recommended dietary allowance for selenium is the same for men and women at 55 micrograms daily for anyone 14 years of age or older.
Selenium plays a critical role in reproduction, metabolism, DNA synthesis, infection, and protection from oxidative damage.
Selenium and Heart Disease
A component of selenium works to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol particles, decrease inflammation, and prevent platelet aggregation.
This function of selenium led researchers to investigate whether or not selenium supplementation can be used to reduce cardiovascular disease.
Research resulted in conflicting results. Some research found people with lower selenium levels to have a higher risk of heart disease. Other research found there to be no connection and some even indicated high selenium levels were associated with an increased heart disease risk.
