Selenium is a trace mineral, essential for a healthy immune system, and commonly found in seafood, as also is mercury. Unlike selenium, mercury is highly poisonous to humans, and eating too much fish containing mercury can lead to serious illness. Fish that are high in mercury include Yellowfin, albacore and skipjack tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi and swordfish, while salmon and flounder have more selenium than mercury.
A daily selenium mineral intake of 200 micrograms is considered optimum, with twice that figure the maximum that should be taken; the average person takes under 70 micrograms. Many areas of the world, including much of North America, have too little selenium in the soil to enable a natural intake of the optimum amount of the mineral in the diet, and supplementation is generally needed to reach that optimum.
Anybody eating the above mentioned fish regularly should also take a selenium supplement because selenium appears to modify the effects of mercury on the body. This appears to be enhanced by the presence of Vitamin E, and offers a way of the risk the risk to up to 650,000 babies born annually in the USA. That is the number of children at risk of fetal damage due to mercury poisoning because it has been estimated that over 15% pregnant women in the US contain too much mercury in their blood.
A supplement of selenium and vitamin E is therefore suggested for pregnant women, although this should be done under the direction of their physician. Look for selenium mineral at your local or internet health food store.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. selenium is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.