Selenium and Potential Diabetes Risk
Selenium is a naturally occurring trace mineral. When ingested, it is taken up by proteins in the body to form selenoproteins. These proteins are antioxidants. As we hear frequently, antioxidants are important because they prevent damage to body cells from compounds called free radicals. Selenium is also important for proper thyroid and immune system function. This mineral has been studied to evaluate its role in cancer prevention.
A recent secondary analysis of the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial showed that certain persons with skin cancer who took selenium 200 mcg daily for 13 years had a higher risk of developing diabetes than those who took a placebo tablet. The study has several drawbacks, however. It was not designed to evaluate selenium’s effects on diabetes and people may have had other risk factors for developing diabetes. For most people that eat a healthy diet, selenium supplementation is rarely needed. Until further information is available, it is recommended that selenium supplements containing 200 mcg or more be avoided.