Some Properties of Selenium and Its Effects on Human Health

Selenium is an essential trace element that has a very important role in the homeostasis of the

human body and the functioning of the immune system. It is known for its antioxidant properties and as a cofactor of many enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase, which is an antioxidant

enzyme in human metabolism. Selenium has a wide range of effects, assuring redox homeostasis,

affecting hormone metabolism, especially thyroid hormones, and protecting the body against

oxidative stress and inflammation. Although selenium is of vital importance for human health,

deficiency and excess (toxicity) of selenium intake can cause significant health problems. Its

deficiency causes cardiovascular diseases, neuromuscular diseases, cancer, infertility, diabetes,

depression, and some immune diseases, while excessive selenium intake may result in the risks of

liver diseases, deterioration in hematopoiesis, bone tissue deformation, some neurological disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Hence, optimum selenium consumption by taking into account factors

such as age, gender, and physiological conditions of people is highly important. In this review, the

importance, metabolism, daily needs, and sources of selenium were emphasized to set a source

for the studies to be made on the subject