What are the benefits of selenium and how much is too much?
Selenium is a mineral that is beneficial to human life. It can be consumed naturally in foods or taken orally as a dietary supplement. The supplemental form of selenium can be found in a selenium supplement pill, in a multivitamin, or in a multi-supplement formula such as a pill or powder.DefinitionThe Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) identifies selenium as a mineral that is vital for optimal health, but which is only needed in trace amounts. Selenium is essential to the development of selenoproteins, which have antioxidant properties that combat free radicals.DosageSelenium dosage is based upon the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for selenium. According to the Mayo Clinic, the RDA for selenium is: Adult and teenagers: 40 to 70 micrograms (mcg) Pregnant women: 65mcg Breast-feeding females: 75mcg Children age seven to 10: 30mcg Children age four to six: 20mcg Children age three and younger: 10 to 20mcgBenefitsSelenium is vital to maintaining a healthy body by aiding the immune syst