Element
selenium
se·le·ni·um [ si-lee-nee-uhm ]
Effect:
Cellular Degradation/Digestion Alteration; Increased Glutathione Concentration
May Prevent:
Deficiency Diseases
May Treat:
Deficiency Diseases
More Information:
Definitions related to selenium:
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A mineral that is needed by the body to stay healthy. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Selenium is a type of antioxidant.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A nonmetallic chemical element found in trace amounts in human body. Selenium primarily occurs in vivo as selenocompounds, mostly selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase (enzymes responsible for detoxification). Alone or in combination with Vitamin E, selenocompounds act as antioxidants. These agents scavenge free radicals; prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation; strengthen the immune system; and have been shown, in some instances, to inhibit chromosomal damage and mutations. Exhibiting chemopreventive activity, selenocompounds also inhibit the induction of protein kinase C.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34, and atomic weight 78.97. It is an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but is toxic in large amounts. Selenium protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is an essential component of GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34; an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but toxic in large amounts; protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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