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About Selenium and Vitamin E
Selenium is a nutritionally essential element that naturally occurs in the
soil. It enters our bodies through our food (both plant and animal products) and,
to a lesser extent, water sources. Plants absorb selenium from the soil into their
leaves, stems, seeds, and fruits. Animals eat plants containing the selenium and
this is stored in their tissues. Some foods that are good sources of selenium are
grains grown in the Midwestern U.S. and animal meats, particularly organ meats.
Certain foods like brazil nuts are especially high in selenium.
Vitamin E is a naturally occurring, essential, fat-soluble vitamin. It is
present in small quantities in a wide range of foods, including vegetable oils,
nuts, vegetables, milk fat and egg yolk. Vegetable oils and products containing
vegetable oils such as margarine and shortening are the richest vitamin E sources
in the United States.
Previous studies indicate that selenium and vitamin E may prevent the development
of prostate cancer. Selenium and vitamin E are anti-oxidants that work to intercept
free radicals in the body before they can produce cancer cells.
Free radicals are atoms (small particles) in the body formed by exposure to radiation,
excessive sunlight, and to chemicals in our food, water and air. Normal bodily functions
also trigger the development of free radicals. The formation of free radicals takes place
all the time in our bodies, and anti-oxidants are defense mechanisms that help keep them
under control.
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