Selenium Found To Activate Tumour Suppressing Gene

For several years we've been telling you about the advantages of selenium - a naturally occurring mineral with powerful antioxidant properties. In e-alerts we've told you about studies that have shown how a sufficient selenium intake may lower the risk of prostate, breast, colorectal and lung cancers.

Now a US study from Indiana University Cancer Centre and Indiana University School of Medicine has explored the theory that selenium activates an important tumour-suppressing gene called p53. Scientists estimate that the p53 gene is mutated in as much as 70% of all cancers.

In experiments performed on human lung cancer cells, the Indiana researchers used selenomethionine, the major component of selenium, to treat cells that contained p53 genes, and other cells that were deficient in p53. Results showed conclusively that selenomethionine not only activated the p53 protein, but also protected cells containing p53.

Based on these findings, the researchers speculate that selenium therapy may act as a cancer preventive by enhancing the vitality of p53 genes. When the p53 genes function properly, cells are more likely to repair the DNA damage that may promote cancer.

Selenium - the versatile antioxidant

In addition to its excellent cancer-fighting abilities, many studies have shown that selenium's antioxidant properties may also fight autoimmune disorders and help increase insulin efficiency. Other research has concluded that it may be able to stop viruses from mutating and becoming more potent. US HSI Panelist Dr Martin Milner, has used selenium for many years in his cancer protocol to reduce the complications from chemotherapy and to increase general longevity.

Clearly, the importance of selenium in our diets can't be overstated. Plant foods are the major dietary sources, but the amount of it in any plant depends on the selenium content of the soil it's grown in. For instance, soils on the high plains of North America have high amounts of selenium, while the soil in much of China contains low amounts. Soils in the UK and Europe generally also have low levels. So while garlic tends to contain good amounts of this mineral, the amounts vary depending on the soil the garlic is grown in.

Selenium intake in the UK has fallen over the last 25 years and this is largely due to the reduction in the import of high selenium wheat from North America. The UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) for selenium is 75 and 60 ug/day for adult males and females respectively.

Some countries experiencing a similar decline, have brought in special measures. For example in Finland an agricultural fertilisation programme has been implemented in order to raise cereal selenium concentrations and boost dietary intakes. Since this programme was implemented in 1985, the selenium intake in Finland has more than tripled and the prevalence of coronary heart disease and some forms of cancer has fallen.

The UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) for selenium is 75 and 60 mcg/day for adult males and females respectively. The Brazil nut is the undisputed champ, with one ounce containing as much as 840 micrograms (mcg) - well over the government recommended daily intake. Bread, fish, meat and eggs are also good food sources. However, Dr. Martin L. Smith, the author of the Indiana study, noted that the average diet probably falls short of 50 mcg per day. Furthermore, Dr. Smith believes that in order to reap the cancer preventive qualities of selenium, intake needs to be around 200 mcg per day.

In other words, if you can't or don't want to add a quarter ounce of Brazil nuts to your daily diet, you might want to add selenium to your supplement regimen. But you should also be aware that too much can be toxic. By too much, I mean an intake of more than 2,500 mcg per day. So if you currently take a multi-vitamin, check to see if you're already getting some amount of selenium. You may be getting enough, but the chances that you're getting near a dangerous dose are extremely slim.