Selenium is an important micronutrient that is required for the formation of the selenoproteins. Of the selenoproteins perhaps the most well known is the tissue antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. Via its incorporation into selenoproteins, selenium plays a wide range of roles in human metabolism, including as an antioxidant as well as in regulating thyroid hormone levels. Optimising selenium intake and tissue levels has been shown to reduce the risk of a number of diseases. Evidence suggests that reduced levels of blood selenium are associated with ageing. This may reflect the poorer nutrient absorption in the elderly as well as the lower energy intake. It is unclear what effects this might have, but supplements of selenium have been shown to normalise selenium status in all humans and so there may be a requirement to eat a selenium rich diet or supplement with selenium as age encroaches. About 200 micrograms per day has been shown to allow optimal levels without producing any toxic effects.
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