The Relevance of Selenium to Immunity, Cancer, and Infectious/Inflammatory Diseases

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
July 2005

Abstract

Selenium is an essential trace element involved in several key metabolic activities via selenoproteins, enzymes that are essential to protect against oxidative damage and to regulate immune function. Selenium also may have other health benefits unrelated to its enzymatic functions. It may provide important health benefits to people whose oxidative stress loads are high, such as those with inflammatory or infectious diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or who are at high risk for cancers, particularly prostate cancer. Some studies have generated compelling evidence that selenium is beneficial, either alone or in conjunction with other micronutrients. Additional data from large clinical trials that provide the highest level of evidence will be key to determining the benefits accrued at various selenium intake levels. When the strength of the evidence becomes sufficient, clinical health professionals will need to use dietary and clinical assessment methods to ensure that people at increased risk for cancer or inflammatory and infectious diseases can be appropriately advised about selenium intake.

Résumé

Le sélénium est un oligoélément essentiel qui intervient dans plusieurs activités métaboliques clés par l'intermédiaire des séléno- protéines, enzymes indispensables à la protection contre les lésions oxydatives et à la régulation de la fonction immunitaire. Le sélénium peut également apporter d'autres bienfaits pour la santé non liés à ses fonctions enzymatiques. Il peut être bénéfique pour les personnes dont le stress oxydatif est élevé, notamment celles qui souffrent de maladies inflammatoires ou infectieuses, telle l'arthrite rhumatoïde ou l'infection par le VIH, ou qui sont à risque élevé de cancer, entre autres de la prostate. Des études ont fourni des preuves concluantes que le sélénium est bénéfique, seul ou en combinaison avec d'autres micronutriments. Des données supplémentaires provenant de vastes essais cliniques qui fourniraient le niveau le plus élevé de preuves scientifiques seront essentielles pour déterminer les bienfaits corres- pondant à divers niveaux d'apport en sélénium. Lorsque les preuves seront suffisantes, les professionnels de la santé devront utiliser des méthodes d’évaluation diététique et clinique pour s'assurer que les personnes à risque élevé de cancer ou de maladies inflammatoires ou infectieuses reçoivent des conseils appropriés quant à l'apport en sélénium.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 66Number 2July 2005
Pages: 98 - 102

History

Version of record online: 12 February 2007

Authors

Affiliations

Milly Ryan-Harshman, PhD, RD
FEAST Enterprises, Oshawa, ON
Walid Aldoori, MB, BCh, MPA, ScD
Wyeth Consumer Healthcare Inc., Mississauga, ON

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