Does selenium have therapeutic uses?
Medical research studies have claimed benefits including boosted immune function, male fertility, anti-cancer effects (prostate, colorectal, and lung only), anti-oxidant, treatment of psoriasis, and, when combined with other ingredients, Alzheimer’s Disease. Selenium sulfide is an ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoo. Selenium sulfide has not caused cancer in animals when it is placed on the skin, and the use of anti-dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide is considered safe. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), however, has determined that selenium sulfide is reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen. The compound has produced liver tumors in rats and mice and lung tumors in mice fed daily at very high levels. The EPA believes that other selenium compounds are not classifiable with regard to their carcinogenicity. Studies of laboratory animals and people show that most selenium compounds probably do not cause cancer.
