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What Are the Health Benefits of Selenium for Diabetics?

Selenium is a trace mineral that has been the subject of many health claims. Studies suggest that it may lower blood glucose levels and could provide antioxidant protection to diabetics. However, research published in 2007 suggests that it could possibly cause more harm than good.

  1. Selenium

    • Selenium is a trace mineral (essential for health, but only in small amounts) which is obtained through our diet. Common sources of selenium are breads, meats and nuts.

    Claimed health benefits

    • The body uses selenium to produce antioxidants. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, selenium is necessary for the production of antioxidants, which reduce free-radical cell damage. Antioxidants are considered beneficial to the damaging effects of free radicals, especially in persons suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

    Selenium and glucose levels

    • According to the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation Inc., selenium is effective at reducing the overall plasma glucose level in diabetics. By reducing the glucose levels, selenium may be helpful in the delay or prevention of neuropathy, retinopathy and lower-extremity arterial disease.

    Selenium and Kidney Disease

    • The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation also reports the results of a study completed by Christelle Douillet, Ph.D., and a team of researchers in 1999. That study indicated that anti-oxidant effect of selenium may be beneficial for the delay or prevention of kidney disease in diabetics. The study was conducted on rats. Further research on people is necessary to provide conclusive results.

    Warnings

    • Too much selenium can cause hair loss, nerve damage, stomach upset, and nail damage. Additionally, a team of researchers, including Dr. Saverio Stranges, reported in a 2007 study that taking selenium actually may increase the risk developing Type 2 diabetes.

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